July 8, 2022: Sound has always been at the heart of watchmaking, long before time could be read on a dial, thanks to bells striking the hour of the day! Since its founding, Audemars Piguet has constantly created bridges with the world of music, notably by playing a pioneering role in developing chiming watches.
Audemars Piguet’s five new Royal Oak Offshore models extend on that legacy. The new models have Tapisserie dials which bear the pattern of an equaliser found in recording studios, knurled-textured studs reminiscent of jack plugs and crown guards inspired by the fader on mixing consoles. Interpreted in 37 and 43 mm sizes and different materials: two models in titanium, two in gem-set 18-carat white gold and one in black ceramic, these timepieces are equipped with self-winding movements driving hours, minutes and seconds hands: the new Calibre 5909 for the 37 mm models and Calibre 4309 for the 43 mm variants.
Featuring a sapphire crystal curved along the 6 to 12 o'clock axis and enlarged bevels, these models radiate a colourful, pop-style appearance.
Recounting their musical journey, Audemars Piguet collaborated with Jay-Z, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his career in 2005, through a Royal Oak Offshore limited edition accompanied by an iPod containing the artist's discography. This was followed by a collaboration with Quincy Jones in 2009. In 2010, Audemars Piguet pursued its commitment to the musical scene by joining the Claude Nobs Foundation and EPFL in supporting the Montreux Jazz Digital Project.
In 2016, Audemars Piguet partnered with French musician Gener8ion to create four soundtracks that its watches would chime at four separate hours. In 2020, expanding its newly released Code 11.59 line, Audemars Piguet unveiled five Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie timepieces, which not only chimed gracefully, but were also endowed with a unique bespoke enamel dial crafted by Anita Porchet and her atelier.
Since 2019, the Manufacture has continued to foster creative exchanges with the world of music, notably welcoming DJ, composer and producer Mark Ronson as an ambassador in 2022 and working with him on various inspirational projects.
This new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Music Edition line accentuates the synergies between the two worlds while endowing the collection with a unique colourful aesthetic that will delight music and watchmaking enthusiasts.
