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LeBron James Is New Audemars Piguet Watch Ambassador

Filed under: Spirits, Timepieces / Watches

Having worked together in the past, famous basketball player LeBron James and high-end Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet have taken their relationship to the next step. LeBron James was just announced to be Audemars Piguet's newest international brand ambassador. In addition to wearing Audemars Piguet timepieces (he prefers the Royal Oak Offshore collection), James will be featured in a range of advertising and marketing campaigns. These will also involve James' charitable foundation called The LeBron James Family Foundation, and other various special events.

Audemars Piguet is one of the most popular luxury watch brands with US Athletes (as well as international athletes of course), and has done an admirable job of receiving a high level of awareness in the US. The relationship with LeBron will further that mission, especially given LeBron's popularity both on and off the court. Moving ahead a year or two the world will see a specially designed LeBron James Audemars Piguet timepiece. Likely a limited edition, and very likely part of the Royal Oak Offshore collection, the watch will come out in probably 2013. LeBron's new relationship with Audemars Piguet was announced in Miami yesterday - where he plays for the Miami Heat team.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

The World's Top Luxury Toys for Men

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Books, Wealth

Luxury Toys for Men

What are the world's top luxury toys for men? Uber-luxe German publisher teNeues has the answer with its newest super-sized volume, Luxury Toys: For Men. The awesome Aston Martin One-77, so named because of its limited 77-example run and $1.7 million pricetag, appears on the cover.

Other supercars that make the cut, including the Audi R8 GT, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Jaguar XKR Special Edition, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, and Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Quite the garage.

Covering transportation, style, accessories and dream vacations, the massive 220-page volume features 138 giant full-color photographs and text in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Not based merely on price, the selections show how "emotion and finesse can be combined with spectacular aesthetic purity."

Audemars Piguet Millenary Tour Auto 2011 Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Audemars Piguet drastically changed the look and feel of its Millenary watch collection for 2011, but one that hearkens to the now classic Millenary Chronograph is this limited edition AP Millenary Tour Auto 2011. Audemars Piguet has been a Tour Auto sponsor for a while now, and this model is specifically made for the 2011 event. The Tour Auto is a car race (well, more like a driving tour) where participants enter with classic sports cars. The even takes place all one side roads in France.

Audemars Piguet took the base Millenary Chronograph and modeled it a bit after classic European sports cars. This includes the exposed stripe of perlage polished metal on the dial, quilt-stitched leather strap, and of course the sporty red against the cream and silver tones of the dial. The 47mm wide case is 42mm high and in steel. Inside the watch is an in-house made AP caliber 2385 automatic. The fun dial is a bit of an optical illusion as the hands and such are actually centered - though they appear to be aligned to the right a bit. Audemars Pigeut will produce 150 of these limited edition Millenary Tour Auto 2011 watches. Looks good to me.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Michael Schumacher & Audemars Piguet Watches Team Up

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

Race car driving legend Michael Schumacher requires no introduction. Though if you want to know more about him, you can peruse his victories on his Wikipedia page here. Recently in Dusseldorf, Mr. Schumacher and Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet announced a new partnership making Michael Schumacher Audemars Piguet's newest race world brand ambassador.

This will mean that in addition to Schumacher going to events with Audemars Piguet, and the two possibly doing charitable work together, Audemars Piguet will likely release a series of limited edition Michael Schumacher limited edition timepieces. It is also often the case that for the term of the sponsorship, Schumacher will only wear Audemars Piguet timepieces.

Audemars Piguet has been working with famous race car drivers for years. Michael Schumacher is likely one of the most high profile (or the most high profile) drivers that the brand has worked with until now. Look for "signs" of their partnership to come out soon - a new watch the celebrate the relationship might be announced as early as next month at SIHH in Geneva.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Jarno Trulli Chronograph

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches



Swiss watchmakers Audemars Piguet and Hublot have been at each other's throats the last few decades. Although the former dates back about a century before the latter, today both are after the same upscale market of luxury buyers looking for a bold expression on their wrists. A couple of years ago Audemars Piguet pulled its sponsorship from America's Cup, and Hublot didn't miss a beat picking it up in its rival's stead. Audemars came out with a watch to mark 200 year of Mexican independence, so Hublot did the same. Now that Hublot has acquired the license for official Formula One watches, Audemars Piguet has responded with an F1-inspired watch of its own.

Named after Italian racing driver Jarno Trulli – a brand ambassador since 2008 – this latest special edition Royal Oak Offshore features a carbon-fiber case, ceramic bezel and titanium fixtures. Its face includes red luminous hands and markers, hiding the Calibre 3126/3840 automatic 59-jewel movement and affixed to the wrist with a sporty rubber strap. Only 500 examples will be made, launched during this month's Japanese Grand Prix and available exclusively at Audemars Pigeut's Tokyo boutique before being offered in other markets.

Audemars Piguet Is Official Timekeeper Of Tour Auto 2010 - Makes Limited Edition Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Audemars Piguet is the new official timekeeper of the classic car race series, Tour Auto. The popular race among vintage car enthusiasts takes their rides on a scenic route in France before reaching the finish line. In addition to being the official timekeeper for the event, luxury Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet will also offer a limited edition watch in honor of the event. It will be the Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2010 Chronograph watch. Set in the standard Royal Oak Offshore case, the racing flat inspired dial has a great look. Tone of slate, white, silver, and red mix to together with visual elements that are all about speed. Note the little checkered flag pattern near the top right part of the tachymeter scale.

In a 42mm wide steel case, the back of the watch has a specially engraved design for the Tour Auto 2010 event. Inside the watch is a Audemars Piguet in-house made caliber 2363/2840 automatic movement, that has been beautifully hand decorated. The strap is leather with a perforated exterior. A nice luxury watch for fans of the event.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

LeBron James Wearing His Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Volcano Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Celebrity Shopping

Perhaps LeBron James likes this particular Audemars Piguet Royak Oak Offshore Volcano watch because he prefers an orange trim, or maybe because that is the color of basketballs. Regardless, LeBron is among many professional athletes (among others) who prefer Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore timepieces. The Volcano model is 42m wide in steel, with a black and orange colored dial, with a matching black with orange stitching crocodile strap. Inside it has an in-house made automatic chronograph movement. Retail price for the watch is close to $19,000.

Mr. James was recently spotted wearing his AP Volcano watch on ESPN when making the announcement that he will be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to join the Miami Heat. This is certainly a great Miami watch.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Another new Audemars Piguet watch for 2010. I honestly never though this would be made, but it makes sense given all the other skeletonized watches that Audemars Piguet has been coming out with. Here is your standard well loved Royal Oak watch in either steel or 18k rose gold, with a fully skeletonized movement. Above and in the image gallery you can get a good view of Audemars Piguet's handiwork skeletonizing one of their in-house made automatic movements. Looks like the movement surface is rhodium plated for the gray look, which looks nice against both the steel and gold. Through the rear of the watch you can see the nicely engraved 22k gold automatic rotor.

I believe that the Royal Oak Skeleton will become a niche model that will appeal to current owners of the brand who want a more visual appreciation of the movement in watch they know and love. I enjoyed wearing it and noticed a welcome attention to detail and function. Audemars Piguet maintains legibility in the watch by including a chapter ring with applied hour markers (with lume) and minute indicators. It is a very simple and satisfying piece for fans of the brand and skeletonized movements. Price is $30,100 in steel with steel bracelet, and $45,500 in rose gold on the brown crocodile strap.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


Here it is, the world's thinnest perpetual calendar watch (only needs to be adjusted once each four years). It is only 9.15mm thick and feels even thinner. the 18k pink gold case is 41mm wide making the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar watch an impressive and complex watch. The dial comes in two colors, either silvered or brown. The automatic mechanical in-house AP Calibre 2120/2802 movement provides the time (without displayed seconds), moon phase, date, leap year indicator, month, and day of the week. All logically laid out in traditional perpetual calendar fashion. I love the brown dial as it melds with the gold case nicely and the brown alligator strap.

Finishing on the case is superb and it is very comfortable to wear. From the sides you see a brushed finish, while the bezel and lugs are polished. Reading the watch is a breeze and it makes for a comfortable daily wear. Finding an automatic perpetual calendar that is easy to read isn't always easy, and here you can get one that is very thin as well. Turn the watch over and you get to see an intensely engraved and skeletonized automatic rotor with the "AP" initials applied to it, through the sapphire caseback window. For classic style lovers who want a timepiece from a good pedigree, this is a good option. Price for both dial colors is $58,700.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date Watch For 2010

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of Audemars Piguet's nicest watches for 2010, is one that received little mention in their current media blast. I caught some images though on my wrist at SIIH, and here is the new for 2010 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch. A lovely simple creation it takes the classic Royal Oak case and style and adds "binocular eyes" that serve as subdials for the day and the date. Movement of course is an in-house made Audemars Piguet automatic - not sure right now of the movement reference number. Unlike the more aggressive Royal Oak Offshore, the Royal Oak is a relatively thin and very comfortable timepiece with a winning design that still looks fresh after more than 30 years. The simplicity of the time, day, and date indicators is unmatched. Really an attractive little piece. It comes in steel with a steel bracelet (excellent finishing) as well as in 18k rose gold matched with a brown alligator strap. Price is $15,400 in steel and $26,900 in rose gold.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Accessories

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Best Jewelry Line
Each of the Readers' Choice nominees for Best Jewelry Line is a leader in the industry. One is not only known for its signature jewelry, but also for the blue box that it comes in. Another is known for its handcrafted pieces, but it is also known for its many innovations. Another nominee is a newer designer on the scene who is inspired by Florentine jewelry-making, but also astronomy, celestial, mythological and astrological influences. Another nominee is synonymous with glamour and fame and has ties to some of the world's most famous jewels. Finally, there's a nominee known for the panache of its founder, as well as its vast collection of the world's finest diamonds.
Graff Diamonds
Harry Winston
Temple St. Clair
Tiffany & Co.
Van Cleef & Arpels

Best Watch Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Watch Line nominees include a perennially favored brand among the watch-loving elite that is known for making the most complex wrist watch in the world. Another nominee is known for its functionally-themed luxury sport watches. The third nominee, while an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, is known for being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future. A fourth nominee is perhaps the best-known luxury watch brand in the world, with a stellar reputation to match. Lastly, there's a watchmaker that epitomizes Swiss haute horology with its modern classics and technical innovation.
Audemars Piguet
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Patek Philippe
Rolex

Best Leathergoods Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Leathergoods Line for a Luxist Award include award-winning brands from France, Italy and London. One started out making equestrian equipment in 1837, and still makes its goods by hand; some of its handbags are so coveted, there's a two-year long wait list to buy one. Another was started in London by a former fashion editor who partnered with a couture shoe maker to create a company now synonymous with the "red carpet". The third nominee is known for its clean lines and simple classic color palettes while the fourth is a global force of tradition and innovation. And finally, the last nominee epitomizes luxury with its delectable designer bags and vaunted luggage--some of which command five figure prices.
Bottega Veneta
Gucci
Hermes
Jimmy Choo
Louis Vuitton

Best Department Store/Boutique
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best Department Store/Boutique include one based in London that has no fewer than 330 different departments, a staff of 5,000 from 50 different countries and is visited by as many as 300,000 people on a single day. Another, with roots in Texas, is known for its superior customer service, in addition to its luxury merchandise, including some of the world's most extravagant items. One New York-based store has a shoe department that is so large, it was given its own zip code. Another Manhattan-based store specializes in hard-to-find international designers, many of which it will help launch into fame. Lastly, there's an upstart from London that is so cutting-edge and up-to-date, it launches 300 new styles on a weekly basis.
Barneys New York
Harrods
Neiman Marcus
Saks Fifth Avenue
Top Shop

Best Clothing Designer
Readers' Choice nominees for Best Clothing Designer are award-winning fashion designers from Italy, England, France and the United States. One was started by a wunderkind who was named chief designer of one of the most respected fashion houses when he was still in his 20's. Another has been one of the leading names in fashion for nearly 100 years. A third nominee, known for its timeless style, has outfitted First Ladies on both sides of the aisle for decades while the fourth is famed for its understated elegance. The final nominee is synonymous with high fashion though its roots are in luggage and leather goods.
Alexander McQueen
Chanel
Gucci
Oscar de la Renta
Prada

Audemars Piguet: The Trendsetter

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


With the higher-end watch lover in mind, Audemars Piguet, which is nominated for a Luxist Award, made independently owned luxury watch makers mainstream. An innovator in combining luxury with sport themed watches, Audemars Piguet stands equally as an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, as well as being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future.

Back in the 1970s Audemars Piguet shocked the worlds with the Royal Oak, a sport themed watch that commanded a price never before seen on a steel timepiece. The classic timepiece remains one of their most popular lines of watch that come in a wealth of exotic materials, complications, colors, and limited editions.

Audemars Piguet has been closely aligned with pop culture icons and important figures for decades. They've made special edition watches for clients ranging to former US Presidents, to Hollywood mega stars, and top athletes. What attracts them all is the brand's dedication to matching the high quality and intrigue of the inside of the watch, with the outside. As such, Audemars Piguet has always been considered a trend setter, often copied even by competing haute luxury brands.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Las Vegas Strip Collection Watches

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Las Vegas Strip Tourbillon watch
Remember Las Vegas? Audemars Piguet sure does. The important city to the brand (due to the many watch stores) now gets and important watch collection from the brand. In black and red tones, the new collection of Royal Oak model based watches are suitable wrist companions for nights of luxury and excess in the hottest city in the desert. The popularity of Vegas comes and goes, but you can't deny the importance of a fantastic watch while spending time on the Strip.

Most most exclusive of the watches in the collection is the pictured Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Manual Wind Tourbillon with Chronograph watch. It is limited to 35 pieces and comes in a blackened steel case. Other models include two diamond studded automatic chronograph versions (for men or women each limited to 60 pieces), and a more standard automatic chronograph without all the decoration (limited to 400 pieces). Each has that signature look meant to match your casino attire. Sure it is a bit silly, but in Las Vegas you feel the need to go all out.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com



Audemars Piguet Adds "Watch Maker" Charm To Their Bal Harbor Boutique

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


Those people familiar with the shops at Bal Harbour knows how each luxury brand situated there feels the need to one up each other. This makes sense given the locations ability to attract the wealthiest Floridian buyers, as well as those who travel to the shopping center from around the world. Over the last few year Audemars Piguet has been playing with a new type of marketing campaign dedicated to enhancing the artisan-like feel of the brand. This essentially means that they want you thinking that watch makers time traveled from 1875 to the present day, and are hand-making Audemars Piguet watches in candle light somewhere in the heart of Switzerland. Most of this is true - save for the candle light.

Selling ultra luxury watches is as much about selling the final product as it is about selling how they were made. For this purpose, the Audemars Piguet Bal Harbour boutique has been temporarily transformed to include watch movement sketches, work tables, tools, and other items of traditional watch making construction. The good news is, that if you visit an actual Swiss watch making factory, all of these same tools are pretty much used - though maybe modernized a bit. Audemars Piguet does take much pride in the fact that they practice "traditional watch making" techniques. The display is a good idea , because it attempts to show a manufacture made mechanical watch in its natural element. If you are in the area, check it out. The window display will be up through the end of the year at the Audemars Piguet store at the Bal Harbour stores in Miami, Florida.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Audemars Royal Oak Offshore Piguet Pride of Mexico Watch

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


Audemars Piguet will release a watch soon to celebrate Mexico's 200 years of independence (1810 - 2010). Using the standard Royal Oak Offshore case and style, the watch will have a few cues to the country it celebrates. The dial is white, with green hour markers and a red hand. The colors are used to mimic those on the Mexican flag. The 42mm wide case will be have 100 pieces available in 18k rose gold, and 200 pieces available in titanium.

Flip the watch over and you'll find the major design element of the watch that is a shout-out to Mexico. Nicely engraved is an image of the Angel of Independence that is located in Mexico City. It is constant reminder for the citizens of the large city of the country's 200 year history, and now it can realized again on your wrist. Mexico City contains a significant wealthy class who will no doubt enjoy the timepiece's sentiments and luxury nature.

Inside the watch is an in-house made Audemars Piguet Calibre 2326/2804 automatic chronograph movement with a 38 hour power reserve and Cotes de Geneve finishing (though you'll have to remove the caseback to enjoy any of it). The case itself is water resistant to 100 meters and is matched with a hornback crocodile strap. Available soon, with likely most pieces available in or near Mexico.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

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