SIHH 2015: Audemars Piguet Introduces The Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies

Audemars Piguet is best known for its iconic Royal Oak collection, first introduced in 1972 and designed by the legendary Gerald Genta. That bold move to present a stainless steel that cost more than some precious metal models, took the watch world by storm and this Hail Mary effort is credited for saving the company during the troublesome “Quartz Revolution.”

But Audemars Piguet is as much a success because of the Royal Oak as it is hemmed in by the huge shadow it casts over the rest of their beautiful collection. A relatively new pillar in Audemars Piguet’s collection, the Millenary’s distinct oval shape is quickly making its own mark on the brand. While the design seems to break from tradition, Audemars Piguet says the unusual shape and neo-classical aesthetics are inspired by the Roman Coliseum. Like the Royal Oak, the Millenary is recognizable from across the room, which, in my opinion, is one of the elements that characterizes a great watch. What also makes the Millenary equivalent to the Royal Oak and Audemar Piguet’s philosophy is its daring design, though because it’s so unusual people either love or are wary of it.

This year, Audemars Piguet made women swoon during SIHH 2015 with the first Millenary collection for ladies. The dial on the Millenary Hand-Wound is particulary feminine, featuring the familiar off-center dial oriented toward 3 o’clockand with a mother-of-pearl circular seconds counter overlapping between 6 and 7 o’clock. Since diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the watch abounds on the Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies, sprinkled all over the dial, outlining the seconds counter and adding sparkle to the bezel and lugs. Pointed blued hands for the time and seconds counter pull out the blue in the mother-of-pearl seconds counter.

Inside the Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies ticks the in-house Calibre 5201 with a substantial 52-hour power reserve. What’s wonderful about the Millenary open dial is that it not only works as part of the aesthetics but also provides a view of the movement so you can see the beautiful finishing Audemars Piguet prides itself on. In a 28.59 x 32.74 mm 18k white gold case with pink cabochon in the crown, the Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies comes on a large square scale pearly dark grey alligator strap with 18k white gold buckle. With neo-classical roots combined with modern touches the Millenary Hand-Wound Ladies is a sophisticated winner. Since it’s a bit under the radar from the Royal Oak, you’ll be wearing not only something different but a future classic.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Audemars Piguet website.