It's all about variety when it comes to Audemars Piguet. The novelties released by the versatile brand this year range from sporty chronographs to elegant watches with complications.
The focus of the brand's presentation at SIHH this year was on the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix collection, consisting of three equally dynamic interpretations of the Grand Prix model.
Designed to evoke the power and thrill of Grand Prix racing, the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph sub-dials on the model resemble dashboard counters, while the crown looks like a gear and the bezel a ventilated brake disc.
Other functions include a central chronograph seconds hand, a small seconds dial at 12 o'clock, a flange with a tachometric scale and a date window at three o'clock.
An eye-catching design element is the central eloxed aluminium dial plate on each watch. The plate is decorated with negative-printed version of the 'Mega Tapisserie' motif that is a signature of the Royal Oak Offshore line. The collection consists of a model with a forged carbon case paired with a black theme and red accents, another with a pink gold case with a forged carbon and black ceramic bezel, and a model that combines a 950 platinum case with a forged carbon and black ceramic bezel. Forged carbon was chosen for its silky texture, the raw glisten to its appearance and, most importantly, its lightness. The model with the forged carbon case weighs a mere 120g.
The equation of time function is popular this year, and the Royal Oak Equation of Time model showcases the complication with a beautiful subtlety.