MichaelC[AP Moderator]
18823
Less than 2 months to SIHH2015!!
Nov 21, 2014,08:41 AM
Wow, every year seems faster than the last. It does not feel so long ago that we were presented with SIHH2014 and all of Audemars Piguet's newest creations. And now we will see the next batch in a mere 50+ days. Let's have a quick look back as we then speculate on might might come in 2015.
In 2011, AP launched the 44mm Royal Oak Offshore collection. Certainly something we anticipated (a larger cased Royal Oak Offshore regular collection). But a new attention was placed upon the Millenary and Jules Audemars lines. The Millenary 4101 was unanimously received as a favorite watch offering from Audemars Piguet. As we view it now almost 4 years later, I see this design as significant blow to the sentiment that AP is a watch brand solely positioned around the strength of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections. Surely, those lines continue to prosper and remain the primary image of the brand for most enthusiasts, but the Millenary 4101 has re-powered interest in the oval from AP.
The Jules Audemars collection saw refinement in 2011, and new models displayed the classic design cues used in the round collection.
A personal favorite to this day, the Millenary titanium minute repeater. It's perfect.
2012 marked the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak, and AP's novelties at SIHH were mostly dedicated to this incredible milestone. An updated version of the vaunted reference 15202 stole the show, and it remains a fireball to this day. I can attest to the power of this "simple" watch. Having owned mine for over a year, it is the greatest Audemars Piguet watch I have ever worn.
AP worked hard to streamline references and unite design details across the range. Here, the Royal Oak reference 15400, photo courtesy of Fx.
And a new 41mm Royal Oak chronograph.
2013, this year was mostly focused on tradition / high complications and the women's collection. But we were also treated to some all ceramic AP Offshores. Here, the 44mm chronograph.
And a very bold interpretation of the Royal Oak Offshore Diver.
The new Grande Complications were nothing short of awesome.
And the women's collections became more unique and feminine. This diamond set Jules Audemars is absolutely stunning in person.
And presented earlier this year, a regular production white ceramic Royal Oak Offshore 44mm chronograph.
And a new white ceramic Diver.
Refreshing the 42mm Royal Oak Offshore chronograph collection was the real focus of 2014 for AP. New versions again unite details and now feature ceramic pushers and crowns, straps with regular buckles, and refined dial trims.
Two new pink gold references are available, including a bracelet model.
The 2014 Safari is quite striking.
And a new Navy.
So, we are refreshed on the previous 4 years of Audemars Piguet. What will come in 2015??
I have really had the impression that AP has been a company holding back on the reigns. A supercar idling along at a comfortable speed. AP's focus in recent years has been dedicated to strengthening its core and refining its collections. Missions accomplished. I believe they are poised to bring forth some exceptional new models in the coming years. Might this process start in 2015? We will know the answers very soon...