製造商: Audemars Piguet 年份: 2000 型號: 56603BC 機芯編號: 434'033 錶殼號碼: D58304.204 型號名稱: Royal Oak 材料: 18K white gold 機芯: Quartz, cal 2612, 8 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: 18K white gold and diamond-set Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm 錶扣: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp further signed Gay Frères 尺寸: 33.5mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed 配件: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie stamped by London retailer "Marcus, a Division of Time Products (UK) Ltd" and dated June 27, 2000, Certificat d'Origine des Pierres Precieuses, and massive multi-colored wooden presentation box. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
圖錄文章
Gem-set watches have always been a “specialty” of sorts, for watch brands. Without a doubt, these are objects incredibly costly to produce, both from a material supply point of view, as well as under a labour one. Furthermore, until a few decades ago, bejewelled timepieces were marketed mostly toward women, an indicative of the cultural logics of a society still deeply rooted in ideas that are nowadays considered limitative. Precursor collectors who appreciated this kind of timepieces have always existed (an example above all are the gem-set Daytona pieces commissioned by the Sultan of Oman in the 1980s). It is however with the cultural changes of recent times that gem-set wristwatches have been not only rightfully considered for what they truly are - extraordinary examples of the merging of watchmaking and gem-setting craftmanship - but have also been propelled to the top echelon of watch collecting in virtue of their impressive looks and outstanding rarity.
That said, some case designs are more prone to gem-setting than others, and it is difficult to argue that the Royal Oak architecture, of both case and bracelet, is among those most apt to this exclusive upgrade. The octagonal bezel seems designed since the beginning to hold rows of baguette diamonds, and the same goes for the bracelet, with the vertical juncture pieces acting as an ideal “platform” for the stones.
The final result - as can be admired in this wristwatch - is beyond impressive: a truly majestic timepiece accompanied by all of its accessories which can be enjoyed by lady- as well as gentleman-collectors alike. The impressive box already conveys the importance of the piece, but it is when reading the “Certificat d’Origine des Pierres Precieuses” (Certificate of origin of precious stones) that one can see the details of the setting: on the watch there is a mind-boggling total of 604 stones. Beyond the 10 emeralds for the hours markers, there are 508 princess-cut diamonds (for 4.61ct) and 86 baguette-cut diamonds (6.27ct).
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
