The emphasis of this review will be how I feel about the Audemars Piguet AP Royal Oak 37mm, but it would be useful to look back at some of the past of this iconic model and how the latest version brings something new to the table before we can get into that. Let’s get into it immediately.
More about Audemars Piguet AP Royal Oak 37mm
The passion of a vintage watch collector is at an all-time high in luxury sports watches. When you inquire about the roots of Audemars Piguet’s new luxury sports watch, you inevitably start with the Royal Oak.
The first Royal Oak was designed in 1971 by the not yet popular watch designer Gérald Genta and revealed in 1972 at Baselworld. This model’s name is taken from the Royal Navy ‘s HMS Royal Oak battleships, and the distinctive octagonal bezel is said to be inspired by the portholes of those ships.
The most recent stainless-steel Audemars Piguet AP Royal Oak 37mm. Since Audemars Piguet ‘s watches were a hot cake on the market, not as much attention was given to the latest one as it warranted. There is no significant deviation from the basic design of Royal Oak, but some major updates and changes are available.
Best features of Audemars Piguet AP Royal Oak 37mm
Movement
The movement has to be the most critical upgrade for the Audemars Piguet Grey Dial Diamond Bezel. The watch is fitted with the Calibre 3120, which is the same self-winding transfer.
This newly built action, on its predecessor, calibre 3120, has many improvements. The low beat movement produces 21,600 beats per hour. They have the power reserve for up to 60 hours.
In addition to its improved dimensions, the movement now has a diameter of 32 mm, which provides greater balance with the case diameter. The skeletonized 22k-gold rotor also makes it easier to appreciate the movement ‘s beauty through the rear of the exhibition. Both pieces are decorated with Geneva lines, including the bridges, and the bevels are polished, giving this sport watch the charm of a dress watch.
Dial
One of the Royal Oak ‘s main design distinctions is its dial plate, which has a square pattern called the “Grande Tapisserie.” Looking closely at the “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, you can see that the convex squares have a line pattern, and the concave parts have a grain pattern. It is showing the degree of detail in the pattern.
With the new edition, the dial plate is available in three colours: blue, white, and black. The blue dial plate can only be sold at AP boutiques.
Let’s take a look at the detail of the Audemars Piguet AP Royal Oak 37mm. The minute track is carved into a new flat surface around the circumference. In addition, the inscription of “AUTOMATIC” at the 6 o’clock position from previous models was dropped.
While the logos “AP” and “AUDEMARS PIGUET” at the 12 o’clock position was slightly expanded. I thought to remove “AUTOMATIC” might throw the balance off and make the dial plate seem missing, but it does leave a good impression.
What’s more, the indexes and hands were checked. Although the shapes are true to past versions, they have been rendered smoother, resulting in a sporty look due to the greater surface area on which the luminous paint is applied. The indexes were very slightly shortened, underlining the differentiation from the past models. Additionally, if you look closely at the second side, you can see that the counterweight has the same form as the indexes.
Ultimately, what I believe is a big change is the date show location. Thanks to the new movement, the date window for the Audemars Piguet Grey Dial Diamond Bezel is located on the dial plate circumference right next to the minute track. Fans of the original model from 1972 will say it’s returned to its correct position.
Case and Bracelet
The Audemars Piguet Grey Dial Diamond Bezel has a case diameter of 37 mm. The integrated bracelet, the octagonal bezel, and the finish are mostly the same as before, but when you look closely you will notice differences.
The thickness of the model is 9.8 mm. The watch is also water-resistant to 50 metres, a screw-down crown is being used again. There’s always the familiar combination of satin and polished finishes, retaining the watch’s elegance.
The bracelet is highly sharp, but the points are not pointy and do not damage the eye. Additionally, the multiple parts with satin and polished finishes give an air of luxury and three-dimensionality. Most watches were made with leather straps in the 1970s. But Genta still built the case and bracelet together from the beginning to improve the overall sense of harmony and fulfilment.
Examining the watch closely, we see that this current model does not deviate from the initial design of Royal Oak envisaged by Gérald Genta. It is quite clear that in the description Royal Oak traditions still live on today.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the newest Audemars Piguet Grey Dial Diamond Bezel inherits the DNA of the Royal Oak, and benefits from some changes.
The movement has been improved in many ways concerning its appearance and functionality, and the adjustments to the elements of its dial give it a sportier overall impression. I like the scale of 37 mm and don’t feel like I wish this were the Extra-Thin at all. It is Royal Oak ‘s backbone, centre-and with good reason.
You’ll need to be vigilant though. Also, if you already have a set of many beautiful watches, the beauty of this watch will certainly tempt you in reaching for it every morning. I think that is because it happened to me.
1. I have lost my product warranty certificate. What should I do?
The warranty certificate will only be issued once when the watch is purchased. Nonetheless, provided that the watch is sent for authentication to Audemars Piguet headquarters, we will be able to issue an authenticity certificate.
2. How long do Audemars Piguet services typically last?
That depends on the size, watch status and the job to be done.
In practice and for a full service on an AP core collection scheme, a warranted watch will be replaced in 21 calendar days and 42 days if the watch is no longer protected by a valid warranty.
A couple of days buffer is added to the promised delivery lead time shown on the estimate. At our Audemars Piguet boutiques, the Technical Advisors can provide an immediate quotation for the vast majority of all mechanical models manufactured over the last 25 years.
3. Where can I have my batteries charged?
You can carry your watch to any store, service centre or approved retailer in Audemars Piguet. Quartz Maintenance Movements: Quartz movements are powered by a battery.
If the energy of the battery has been completely discharged, we advise you to replace it as soon as possible to avoid any harm to the movement. The battery has a shelf life of several years. A water resistance service is completed during the battery exchange and full maintenance service is proposed where necessary.
4. How long is an Audemars Piguet watch guaranteed?
For 2 years from the date of purchase shown on the invoice, we guarantee your timepiece against all manufacturing and workmanship defects. For more specific details, see the General Terms and Conditions of the Customer Service. You will benefit from an extended warranty (total of 5 years).
However, we suggest that you continue with a regular (free of charge) water-resistance test if your timepiece is regularly exposed to water and humid conditions. A water-resistance service will then be performed via our authorized network if required.
DO YOU REALLY NEED THE AUDEMARS PIGUET NEW ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE?
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