Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Review

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak: History and Origins

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic and representative models in the world of watches. With its unique design and superior quality, this watch was released in 1972, marking the 100th anniversary of the brand's establishment.

Audemars Piguet: Origins of the Brand

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux region of Switzerland by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. The two young watchmakers specialized independently in watchmaking. The brand has a long history of innovation and watchmaking craftsmanship and is still run by the family.

Royal Oak: A New Era Begins

In the 1970s, the watch industry was experiencing a major crisis due to the widespread popularity of quartz watches. In this challenging period, Audemars Piguet appointed the successful watch designer Gerald Genta and tasked him with creating an iconic model. Genta designed the Royal Oak model in just 16 hours, which was a remarkably short time reflecting the quality of the design.

Origin of the Name

The new model was named "Royal Oak". The name was inspired by the ships of the British Royal Navy. According to the story, during World War II, the HMS Royal Oak, a new type of warship in the Royal Navy, was camouflaged from the enemy by being adorned with bug patterns. The story is associated with the octagonal shape used in the design, which resembles the ship's windows.

Design and Iconic Features

The design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is revolutionary in the world of watches. One of the eye-catching features of the model is its octagonal case made of stainless steel with different surface textures. This design sets the Royal Oak apart from other watches and contributes to the brand identity.

The dial of the watch can be blue, black, or white, and the hand-applied hour markers are illuminated with luminescent coatings. Additionally, the dial features a "Mega Tapisserie" pattern, which is a combination of copper and nickel alloy.

A Rich Heritage

The history and origins of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are based on the brand's reputation and innovation in the watch industry. The stunning features and superior quality of its design undoubtedly make the Royal Oak indispensable for watch collectors.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Model Types and Series

Here are some model types and series of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak:

1. Royal Oak Selfwinding Model: This model stands out with the simplicity and elegance of the original Royal Oak design. It is equipped with a selfwinding mechanism that automatically charges and features a date display. It offers different dial color options and can have a stainless steel or gold case.
2. Royal Oak Offshore Model: This model has a more sporty look and a distinctive style with a large-sized case. It is known for its durable and stylish design, water resistance feature, and usually comes with a chronograph function. It is available in both stainless steel and precious metal cases.
3. Royal Oak Concept Model: This model represents Audemars Piguet's bold and innovative design approach. It offers a unique shape, technical details, and striking features for an amazing watch experience. For example, it can have innovative features such as a tourbillon mechanism, a transparent dial, or a skeletonized design.
4. Royal Oak Extra-Thin Model: This model has a thin and elegant design. It presents a classic look with its slim case and simple dial. However, the mechanism and watchmaking skills inside are quite complex. This model can be automatically charged or come with a more traditional hand-wound mechanism.
5. Royal Oak Tourbillon Model: This model represents the highest level of mechanical expertise in the watch industry. The tourbillon mechanism is used to increase timekeeping accuracy and it usually features additional indicators on the dial, such as a power reserve display.

This list includes just a few models and series of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The brand continues to pioneer in the watch world by constantly offering new designs and variations. Each model provides a unique watch experience with the brand's quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and exceptional features.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Case and Material Options

In this article, we will focus on the different case and material options of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Royal Oak is one of the most iconic and well-known collections of the famous Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet. This watch combines both classic and modern design language and stands out with its elegance and sophistication. Here are the different case and material options of the Royal Oak:

Stainless Steel Case: Audemars Piguet generally offers Royal Oak with high-quality stainless steel cases. Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material. Royal Oak's stainless steel cases provide a simple and modern look to the watches, offering a classic style.

Gold Case: Royal Oak is also offered with gold cases in various models. Gold cases add elegance and a luxurious feel to the watches. Audemars Piguet offers a wide range of options with both yellow and rose gold in the Royal Oak collection.

Platinum Case: The most premium option of the Royal Oak is presented with a platinum case. Platinum is a rare, valuable, and durable metal. This material gives Royal Oak a superior look and weight. Platinum cases add a unique elegance and luxurious touch to the watches.

Gem-set Cases: Audemars Piguet offers gem-set cases in some models of the Royal Oak collection. Not only the case but also the dial and bracelet can be adorned with gemstones. Diamonds add a unique sparkle and eye-catching appeal to the watches.

Ceramic Case: Some models in the Royal Oak collection feature ceramic cases. Ceramic is a modern and stylish material known for its resistance to scratches. Ceramic cases are preferred in the more sporty and contemporary models of the Royal Oak.

Each material option offers a different style and character, allowing every watch enthusiast to find a suitable choice according to their taste. The combination of Royal Oak's timeless design and these different case and material options is the fundamental factor behind the popularity and appeal of this collection. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mechanism

Royal Oak stands out with its design as well as the mechanism it contains.

Audemars Piguet is known for its superior quality and precision mechanisms and Royal Oak continues this tradition. The mechanisms used in the Royal Oak collection have gained great respect among watch enthusiasts. Here are the mechanism options offered by Royal Oak:

Handmade Calibers: Audemars Piguet mostly uses handmade mechanisms in the Royal Oak collection. These mechanisms are carefully crafted by expert watchmakers with great dedication and attention to detail. Particularly tourbillon mechanisms, which require delicate workmanship, provide superior accuracy to the watches.

Automatic Winding Systems: Many of the mechanisms preferred in the Royal Oak have automatic winding systems. This system works with the user's movement and ensures the watch works properly. The automatic winding system does not require users to constantly wind their watches.

Chronograph Functions: Chronographs are mechanisms that measure and track time in watches. Audemars Piguet offers chronograph mechanisms in some models in the Royal Oak collection. These mechanisms add extra functionality to the watches.

Watchmaker's Art: Some models in the Royal Oak collection feature rare mechanisms designed by Aziz George Haas and Edward Piguet. These mechanisms are highly valuable among watch enthusiasts and are special parts expertly produced by Audemars Piguet.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak mechanisms have gained great prominence in terms of accuracy, durability, and elegance. With their handmade calibers and moving parts, they have won the hearts of both watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dial and Indicators

Audemars Piguet offers a variety of dial and indicator options in the Royal Oak collection. Here are some dial and indicator features offered by Royal Oak:

"Grande Tapisserie" Pattern: One of the most well-known dial designs of the Royal Oak is the "Grande Tapisserie" pattern. This pattern creates a large square pattern on the dial and catches attention with its depth layers. It offers a stylish and modern look.

Different Color Options: Royal Oak enriches its dials with various color options. Dials in black, white, blue, grey, and green are available. These color options allow users to personalize their watches according to their preferences.

Adjustable Hour Markers: Hour markers in Royal Oak are designed to be easy to illuminate and readable. They are usually marked with bright and contrasting colors. Additionally, luminescent coatings are often applied to the markers, making them observable in the dark.

Serigraphy Applications: Some models in the Royal Oak collection feature serigraphy applications. These applications are used to create special patterns and graphics on the dial. Serigraphy processes enhance the visual appeal of the watch.

The dial and indicators of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are signature features of the brand. These features, with their eye-catching designs and customization options for users, have increased the popularity of the Royal Oak.

Functions and Complications of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Here are some of the key functions and complications of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak:

1. Time and Minute Display: The Royal Oak model features a basic hour and minute display. The hour and minute hands are usually luminous and easy to read.
2. Second Time Zone and GMT Function: In the Royal Oak GMT models, there is an additional sub-dial that indicates the second time zone. This feature is highly useful for travelers and makes it easy to track different time zones around the world.
3. Date Display: Many Royal Oak models have a date display. It is typically located at 3 o'clock or 6 o'clock. Some models come with a quick adjustment feature for the date display.
4. Chronograph Function: Some models in the Royal Oak collection have a chronograph feature. A chronograph is a stopwatch function used for measuring time intervals and recording seconds, minutes, and hours. This feature is ideal for timing and tracking performance in sports.
5. Perpetual Calendar: Some high-end models in the Royal Oak collection feature a perpetual calendar complication. A perpetual calendar is a complication that automatically adjusts date, month, and year indicators. This feature eliminates the need for manual calendar adjustments.

These functions and complications offered by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak have gained the appreciation and admiration of watch enthusiasts. Each feature serves its unique purpose and caters to the needs and preferences of many users.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's Durability and Waterproofing

Things you need to know about the durability and water resistance of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak:

Solid Construction: The case and bracelet of the Royal Oak have been carefully designed to provide durability. Watches are usually made of stainless steel or titanium, making them resistant to impact and wear. The use of quality materials ensures that watches can withstand daily use for years.

Seamless Case Design: The Royal Oak's case design delivers an impressive water resistance performance. Case parts are tightly assembled and special seals and gaskets are used to prevent water from entering.

Water resistance: The watches in the Royal Oak collection are offered with different water resistance levels. Usually, they provide water resistance up to 50 meters (5 bar), which is sufficient for daily use, hand washing, and light rain. Some models, however, offer water resistance up to 100 meters (10 bar), which is suitable for more intense water activities such as swimming and underwater sports.

Sturdy Bracelet Connections: The bracelet connections of the Royal Oak allow the watch's bracelet and case to be securely joined. These connections increase durability and make the bracelet comfortable to wear.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a world-renowned watch collection, and much of its fame is due to its durability and water resistance capabilities. These features enable the watch to be suitable for daily use, sports activities, and even underwater adventures.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's Band and Bracelet Options

The Royal Oak collection is a part of the Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet, renowned for its aesthetic designs and high-quality materials. Each model offers a variety of bracelet and strap options.

Here is information about the bracelet and strap options for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak:

1. Stainless Steel Bracelet: Many models in the Royal Oak collection come with stainless steel bracelets. These bracelets enhance the watch's durability and provide a chic look. The bracelets often offer comfortable wearability with fixed attachment points.
2. Leather Strap: Audemars Piguet emphasizes elegance in the Royal Oak collection by using high-quality leather straps. These straps give the watch a classic appearance and offer different color options. Leather straps are preferred by those seeking a classic wristwatch look.
3. Rubber Bracelet: Rubber bracelets are frequently used in the sporty models of the Royal Oak. These bracelets are lightweight, durable, and generally preferred by individuals. Rubber bracelets provide comfortable wearability during activities like underwater or outdoor sports.
4. Rich Color Options: The bracelet and strap options offered in the Royal Oak collection usually come in different colors. Both bracelets and straps offer numerous color options for those who desire a classic or modern style. Additionally, some models feature Quick Switch systems that allow for the use of both bracelet and strap.

Audemars Piguet designs the bracelets and straps of the Royal Oak to be in harmony with the overall aesthetics of the models. These options enable the watch to be personalized according to your preferences.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's Price Range and Review

The Royal Oak collection is one of Audemars Piguet's most renowned watch collections, distinguished by its quality, elegance, and functionality. There are many different models in this collection. However, it's important to have an idea of the price range before purchasing any Audemars Piguet watch.

The price range for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches varies depending on factors such as model, material, and features. The prices for entry-level models in the collection start at around CHF 18,000. However, the prices for models that feature materials such as steel and gold can go up to CHF 90,000.

Audemars Piguet watches not only represent a fashion accessory, but also exemplify high standards of quality and design. The collection offers many different material and color options. Royal Oak watches stand out for their high precision internal workings that offer mechanical and automatic movement features. Additionally, the watches' elegant and unique designs merge with genuine craftsmanship and material quality to offer a special design experience.

In summary, the price of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches varies depending on the model, functional features, material used, and accessories.

User Reviews and Experiences of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a collection that is highly popular among watch enthusiasts. Users emphasize how successful these watches are in terms of quality, design, and functionality.

Many users point out the exquisite craftsmanship and material quality of the Royal Oak watches. The durability and aesthetics of the steel models in the collection are particularly praised. Users express that these watches perfectly complement any outfit with their stylish and elegant designs.

In addition, there are positive reviews regarding the mechanical or automatic movements of the Royal Oak watches. The high precision and accuracy of the watches help meet the expectations of users.

Users also mention that Audemars Piguet meets their expectations in terms of quality control and customer service. The support and warranty services provided by the brand increase user satisfaction levels.

Of course, just like any watch brand, there may be users who do not like or encounter certain problems with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. Therefore, it is important to consider user reviews before making a purchase decision.

In conclusion, we can generally say that user reviews and experiences regarding Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches are positive. Users express confidence in the brand by emphasizing the quality, style, and functionality of these watches.

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