News
Audemars Piguet Partners Up with 1017 ALYX 9SM to Design Five New References, Including a Pièce Unique Royal Oak Chronograph
News
Audemars Piguet Partners Up with 1017 ALYX 9SM to Design Five New References, Including a Pièce Unique Royal Oak Chronograph
Alongside four new Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore references, this groundbreaking alliance has given birth to an exquisite collection of timepieces to create an exclusive line that’s bound to captivate horology and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Audemars Piguet has joined forces with American designer Matthew Williams, the visionary founder of 1017 ALYX 9SM, to create four new Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore references, alongside an exclusive Royal Oak unique piece. These timepieces effortlessly blend Audemars Piguet’s iconic aesthetic codes with Williams’ distinctive design sensibilities, targeting urban fashion enthusiasts looking to express their individuality.
Matthew Williams, who also serves as Givenchy’s Creative Director, is renowned for his propensity to push the boundaries of materials to craft innovative and disruptive creations. For Williams, a watch is more than a timekeeping instrument; it serves as a medium for self-expression. The resulting collection, a blend of minimalistic aesthetics and thoughtful design, offers a range of references spanning from 37 to 42 mm.
Audemars Piguet x 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak 37mm in yellow gold
Audemars Piguet x 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak 41mm in yellow gold
The new designs total four references, comprising two Royal Oak models and two Royal Oak Offshore models. The Royal Oak is meticulously handcrafted in 18K yellow gold, where the first of the pair is a smaller size at 37mm, and runs on the self-winding Calibre 5909. Its minimalist dial is adorned with luminescent yellow-gold hands, complemented by the iconic “Audemars Piguet” and “1017 ALYX 9SM” signatures, the former in a gold appliqué and the latter elegantly transferred. The second model, a 41mm self-winding chronograph (running on Calibre 4409), pushes the boundaries of minimalism by eschewing traditional chronograph counters. Instead, only the hands dance gracefully at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
Audemars Piguet x 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in yellow gold
Audemars Piguet x 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in white gold
The two Royal Oak Offshore models make a striking statement by departing from convention and featuring only the essential elements on the dial. The characteristic date aperture sits resolutely at 3 o’clock, accompanied by the emblematic AP monogram. The signature of 1017 ALYX 9SM graces the 6 o’clock position. An extraordinary departure for a chronograph, the counters at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock have been omitted, leaving the spotlight solely on the hands. Sized at 42mm, the watches are fit with the self-winding Calibre 4404, and are available in a choice of 18K white or yellow gold, striking a harmonious balance between subtlety and opulence.
Every piece is meticulously finished with Audemars Piguet’s hallmark hand finishes, complete with an engraved caseback bearing the words “Limited Edition”.
The stylized caseback on the Calibre 5909
Royal Oak Offshore Pièce Unique
However, the collaboration has yielded an exceptional creation — a unique Royal Oak Self-winding Chronograph. This 41mm timepiece boasts a two-tone case and bracelet, artfully marrying 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. The striking contrast extends to the black PVD-coated gold dial, adorned with vertical satin-finishing. Notably, the dial proudly bears the signatures of both collaborating brands, accompanied by chronograph hands in yellow gold for a vivid visual impact. The watch is powered by the Calibre 4409, powering the flyback chronograph function, hours and minutes and small seconds, and provides a 70-hour power reserve.
The exclusive piece will be auctioned during the launch event in Tokyo, where the funds raised will be donated to a programme aimed at supporting the education of underprivileged children. This initiative aligns with both Audemars Piguet Foundation’s and Matthew Williams’ long-standing dedication to supporting disadvantaged children. The chosen beneficiaries, Kids in Motion and Right to Play, will channel their efforts into projects that empower children through education and play-based learning.
