One of the most widely discussed launches of 2020 so far was from Audemars Piguet, and it was not a Royal Oak, nor was it a new model in the Code 11.59 family. It was instead the [Re]Master 01, which is an unusual take on re-imagining a vintage timepiece in contemporary terms ?a chronograph based in terms of design language on a very stylish and unusual vintage Audemars Piguet chronograph (although, to be fair, you could say that about just about any vintage Audemars Piguet chronograph as they're very rare; only 307 total were made). The modern version is automatic, rather than hand-wound, and it's been upsized to a more up-to-date diameter as well ?40mm, with a thickness of 14.6mm. The increase in size results in a watch that isn't just bigger, but also has a very different feel thanks to the alteration in proportions (as Stephen Pulvirent noted in his very detailed In-Depth coverage). In an interview with Barron's Penta, AP's Head Of Complications, Michael Friedman, discusses the inspiration for the design.
The combination of the traditional and the contemporary with up-to-date movement technology was, says Friedman, intended to celebrate the spirit of the new AP Museum, which officially opened on June 25.
The AP Museum in Le Brassus, located behind the original manufacture and archives. Image, Penta.
Says Friedman, "The few people who do own vintage Audemars Piguet complications generally only wear them occasionally given their rarity and importance. Then there are people who would love to own one, but are unable to find or afford one ... we felt if we were going to jump back to the 1940s for design inspiration, we wanted to choose a watch that really evoked that aesthetic in a uniquely Audemars Piguet way."
For more, check out the full article on Penta, right here.
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