Audemars Piguet is getting in the Christmas spirit by gifting us five new watches as the holiday season begins in earnest.
The five pieces are split between the Supersonnerie line and Stone Dials with the new watches putting new spins on both the Royal Oak and Code 11.59.
Toplining the unveiling is the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie which comes in two different references, one in titanium with a green dial and one in pink gold with a brown Grande Tapisserie dial. Other than that, they share all the traditional characteristics you would associate with the Royal Oak including its iconic octagonal bezel which is integrated into the bracelet.
Both watches are also a typically mighty 42mm and feature AP’s Supersonnerie technology in which gongs attached to a soundboard to amplify its chiming.
Next up is the Code 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie which has a stunning white gold case and a smoky sapphire dial, giving the watch a translucent appearance that spotlights the inside mechanism. The grey strap only emphasises the monochrome aesthetic and like the Royal Oak models, features the Supersonnerie tech to give the chimes extra clarity.
The final two watches in the impressive new collection are Code 11.59 Selfwinding models which come in either onyx or obsidian.
Both pieces are smaller at 38mm but have very different designs. The onyx edition comes with diamond hourmarkers and a smooth black dial as well as a pink gold bezel. Meanwhile, the obsidian version has a yellow gold bezel and a sunray dial. Despite the aesthetic differences, both wathces are powered by the calibre 5909 automatic.
Prices for the watches vary with the diamond onyx Code 11.59 retailing for £53,900 while the obsidian version is almost £10,000 cheaper due to its absence of diamonds.
Connecting buyers and sellers, all of the AP’s sold through the platform will be officially certified by the company, ensuring what is being sold is exactly that.
A digital marketplace, The Watch Keepers was rolled out at the end of October and will host sales of Audemars Piguet watches that are at least two years old.
The platform works by the sellers sending their watches to AP who will then examine and authenticate the piece to guarantee its provenance. AP then photograph and and list the watch through The Watch Keepers, where they will be offered to approved buyers. AP also take care of delivery and hold on to the watch until it sells with the buyer receiving a two-year guarantee on watches purchased through The Watch Keepers.
The interface of the marketplace also takes the form of a virtual Audemars Piguet shop with real boutique staff recreated as digital avatars with anybody who signs up allowed to browse but buying and selling is restricted to verified accounts.
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