Audemars Piguet is an ultra luxury manufacturer of Swiss timepieces. Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet has made their namesakes proud as they are among the finest and highest quality watch manufacturers in the world.
Ultra luxury watches bring to mind the Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Breguet brands, and this Swiss watchmaker ranks as prestigious as these innovative and legendary companies. They have continued to secure their place as ultra luxury manufacturers of timepieces because despite being founded 141 years ago, Audemars Piguet is still owned by the founding families, ensuring quality and tradition through the ages.
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Type: Royal Oak Black Dial Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
Model: 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01
Link: https://goo.gl/Uz61rJ
As a part of the Royal Oak Collection, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Dial Stainless Steel Men’s Watch (Model 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01) is a beautiful example of this company’s outstanding commitment to ultra luxury and the finest quality.
With elements not often seen in wristwatch designs, Audemars Piguet has created a stunning timepiece that looks like it belongs in a museum. Certainly showing off its grace as one of the Royal Oak Collection’s finest models, the Royal Oak Black Dial is truly one of a kind.
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Specs/Size/Design
The Royal Oak Black Dial timepiece features Audemars Piguet’s famous Octagonal case shape.
Technical Specifications and Features:
- Item Shape: Octagonal
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Case Diameter: 41mm
- Dial Color: Black, Textured
- Dial Window Material: Scratch Resistant Genuine Sapphire Crystal
- Display Type: Analog
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Thickness: 9.80mm
- Band Material: Stainless Steel
- Band Width: 28mm
- Clasp Type: Deployment Buckle
- Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel Function: Stationary
- Calendar: Date Window at 3 o’clock position
- Luminous Hands and Index Hour Markers
- Case Back: Transparent
- Crown: Screw Down
- Weight: 15.84 ounces
- Water Resistant Depth: 50 Meters
- Made in Switzerland
Power Source
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model, like the others in this incredible collection, use a Swiss made Automatic movement as its power source. Using the kinetic energy of the watch-wearer, this will power the timepiece indefinitely as long as it is worn.
This luxury timepiece is not your standard everyman’s Rolex. This Swiss made Automatic is a piece of fine craftsmanship not often seen on the luxury market. It is a reliable movement that runs as smooth as silk and as accurate as an atomic clock.
The Good
There are so many good aspects of this fine timepiece, that it would be easier to list the things wrong with it–and that itself is a very short list.
However, let us begin with the design. Audemars Piguet’s famous Octagonal case and bezel, complete with visible screws, offer this timepiece an outstanding marine vibe.
The finish on the Stainless Steel case, bezel, and bracelet is brushed, which keeps the integrity of this nautical-slash-sophisticated timepiece intact.
As all of the elements complement each other perfectly, including the Stainless Steel screw down crown and deployment buckle, the rest of the design is the real eye-catcher and center of this beautiful watch.
The dial face is black in color, but unlike other timepieces, it features a textured look most akin to a metallic, textured miniature quilt. This is Audemars Piguet’s famous “Grande Tapisserie” pattern.
This texture offsets the severe lines of the hour markers and the three dial hands beautifully. Sitting in the middle of the Octagonal case and bezel, complete with 8 screws, this black, textured dial is both sophisticated and simple: a clean design for a classic timepiece.
The rest of the design is quite simple: the genuine Sapphire crystal and a small calendar window located at the 3 o’clock position, the dial face features only the Audemars Piguet logo, name, and Automatic designation.
Speaking of–the Swiss made Automatic movement is another crowning element of this model.
If you turn the watch around, you will see further elements such as the transparent case backing as well as the stamped deployment buckle clasp.
The dial hands and stick indices are also luminous, which is great for late night parties and swimming.
The Bad
At this caliber of ultra luxury craftsmanship, there tends to be little to zero negative elements found in these timepieces.
The price may be an issue for most, but for those seeking an ultra luxury timepiece, this price is reasonable and is expected.
One piece of constructive criticism is that the water resistance could be a little better. While the 50 meter water resistance depth is perfectly fine for most wearers (and fully functional as well), a better water resistance would be ideal.
Highlights
The highlight of this Audemars Piguet watch from the Royal Oak Collection, is the Octogonal case and bezel, complete with 8 designer screws at the points of each part of the Octagon.
The glimpse of the dial through the genuine scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal dial window is stunning. This crystal, paired with the screw down crown, makes for a tightly fit and solid construction.
With such an attractive black, textured dial face, this Octagonal design stands out tremendously and lets others know who exactly you are wearing.
Pricing
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Dial Stainless Steel Men’s Watch can be purchased at online retailers such as Amazon.com, for around $15,895.00.
Overall Impression
Overall, it is rare to see a nearly perfect luxury timepiece. However, this ultra luxury Audemars Piguet is as close to a classic piece of perfect Swiss craftsmanship as one may get. From every link and screw, down to the dial hands and buckle clasp, this Royal Oak Stainless Steel model is a gorgeous Men’s timepiece that is impervious to trends and time.
For other fine, luxurious timepieces from the likes of Patek Philippe, IWC, Rolex, Panerai, Tag Heuer, Omega, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot, Cartier, and more, click here for our full comprehensive reviews.