.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
An impressive and highly coveted timepiece, the present Audemars Piguet is the “CW 1” Royal Oak Concept watch produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection. This groundbreaking watch was developed by AP's subsidiary Renaud & Papi in a limited series of 150 examples introduced to the market between 2002 and 2004. The timepieces of the Royal Oak Concept collection have become and continue to be amongst the most highly sought-after of Audemars Piguet watches.
The movement of the “CW 1”, caliber 2896, was an entirely new caliber with some exceptional technical features; a clutch system with mode pusher and indicator to wind the watch or change the time; titanium movement plates; electro-erosion formed titanium shock absorbers to protect the tourbillon cage; a linear power reserve indicator, which is calibrated for the number of turns the barrel makes (one barrel rotation equals circa 6 hours of operation) and the “dynamographe” which shows instantaneous torque from the mainspring.
The case is the first ever to be machined from Alacrite 602, a new super-alloy used in aero-technology and medical applications. Light, yet very durable, it consists of 57% Cobalt, 31% Chrome, 5% Tungsten and trace amounts of Carbon, Silicon and Iron. The material is extremely hard (Vickers Rate of 430) and difficult to work with. As a reference and homage to its illustrious ancestor, the “CW 1” is fitted with the trademark AP octagonal bezel made from titanium with exposed hexagonal screw heads.
The Royal Oak collection was introduced in 1972, redefining the identity of a sports watch. With groundbreaking designs, the Royal Oak secured a discerning and informed audience and over the years became the emblem of the Audemars Piguet manufacture as well as a true icon within the watch community.
Through its surprising design, groundbreaking case materials and strong heritage, the present timepiece represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most sought-after and exclusive timepiece of the Audemars Piguet manufacture.
The movement of the “CW 1”, caliber 2896, was an entirely new caliber with some exceptional technical features; a clutch system with mode pusher and indicator to wind the watch or change the time; titanium movement plates; electro-erosion formed titanium shock absorbers to protect the tourbillon cage; a linear power reserve indicator, which is calibrated for the number of turns the barrel makes (one barrel rotation equals circa 6 hours of operation) and the “dynamographe” which shows instantaneous torque from the mainspring.
The case is the first ever to be machined from Alacrite 602, a new super-alloy used in aero-technology and medical applications. Light, yet very durable, it consists of 57% Cobalt, 31% Chrome, 5% Tungsten and trace amounts of Carbon, Silicon and Iron. The material is extremely hard (Vickers Rate of 430) and difficult to work with. As a reference and homage to its illustrious ancestor, the “CW 1” is fitted with the trademark AP octagonal bezel made from titanium with exposed hexagonal screw heads.
The Royal Oak collection was introduced in 1972, redefining the identity of a sports watch. With groundbreaking designs, the Royal Oak secured a discerning and informed audience and over the years became the emblem of the Audemars Piguet manufacture as well as a true icon within the watch community.
Through its surprising design, groundbreaking case materials and strong heritage, the present timepiece represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most sought-after and exclusive timepiece of the Audemars Piguet manufacture.