For a gentleman who wants a luxury watch that is sophisticated and practical, the Audemars Piguet Tradition 15160PT.OO.A092CR.01 is just that. The simple design of the face makes it easy to tell time, while maintaining a dignified look. The internal workings are well designed, making the Audemars Piguet Tradition a refined timepiece.

External Features: Externally, the majestic silver dial with large pink gold Arabic numerals and hands makes it easy on the eye to read the time. Clearly marked with succinct pink gold dots, the minute markers match the color of the hands and numerals. The regal silver and gold colors come together with a platinum silver case making this timepiece a stylish masterpiece. The back of the case is transparent, giving you a look at the intriguing internal mechanisms.  A specially designed glare-proofed sapphire crystal glass covering protects the dial.  The brown hand-stitched “large square scale” crocodile band adds a charming touch to the décor accompanied with a sturdy 950 platinum AP folding clasp.

Internal Features: The Audemars Piguet Tradition features excellent workmanship. Waterproof up to 20 meters, you don’t have to worry about getting it wet. This wristwatch runs with bi-directional automatic movement with the weight oscillating 2.75 times per second. The annular ring running on four jewels ensures movement of the oscillating weight. Even the inside of this timepiece is upscale, as the support and weight segment are in 21-karat gold. Upon request, the oscillating weight can even be custom decorated. In addition, there is a forty-hour power reserve that will keep this timepiece ticking. Thirty six-jewels and a total of two-hundred-twelve parts ensure that this high quality watch is mechanically sound. The workmanship is finished manually with polished bevels, satin brushed edges, and Perlage on the recesses.

Alternative Models: The Audemars Piguet Tradition lives up to its name because it is very traditional in style. This watch has the basic minute and hour hand dial. If you like the workmanship of Audemar Piguet, but are looking for more additional features, you may want to check out the Tradition Perpetual Calendar 26051PT.OO.D092CR.01 or the Tradition Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater 26052BC.OO.D092CR.01 which are similar in style. The Tradition Perpetual Calendar watch displays the day, the date, the month and leap years, as well as the moon phases. The Tradition Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater is another alternative that has all the same features as the Perpetual Calendar watch with the addition of a small seconds display dial.

The Audemars Piguet Traditiona Perpetual Calendar is an alternative similar in style that includes calendar features. (Image from: wwww.audemarspiguet.com, retrieved January 27, 2012)

The downside of the Audemars Piguet Tradition is that it is expensive with the U.S. retail price at $65,200. However for the cultured and well-bred gentleman who can afford it, this watch has excellent internal features with a highly distinguished exterior.

Pros:

• Easy to read the time
• Transparent backing
• Glare-proofed sapphire crystal
• Unique crocodile band
• Water resistant up to 20m
• Custom decorated oscillating weight
• High quality workmanship

Cons:

• Expensive

Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2010 Chronograph

 March 1, 2010 – Audemars Piguet has released its Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2010 Chronograph to  honor the status of becoming the “Official Timekeeper” of the historical car rally Tour Auto 2010 .  Sponsoring the Mecenat Chirurgie Cardiaque team in their Jaguar MK1 and the Blanchard/Cloche-Dubois ladies’ team in their AC Bristol  Audemars Piguet pays homage to this historical race and its drivers.

Appealing  to lovers of the automobile, this new series is sure to be a big hit.   The case back is engraved with the “Tour Auto” logo and the legend “Royal Oak Offshore – Serie Limitee” to remind youof this special event. 

Caliber 2326/2840 this timepiece has a power reserve of 38 hours.  The chronograph has central seconds hands, 30 minute and 12 hour sub-dials in red and silver.  The tachometric scale resides on the inner bezel.  The date is displayed at the 3 o’clock position.  42mm stainless steel case and bezel finished off with a sapphire crystal and black rubber screw lock down and pushers.  Water resistant to 100 meters in case you decide to go for a little dip to cool off.

The dial is Anthracite with a “Méga Tapisserie” design.  The numbers, hour and minute hands have a luminescent coating to light up the night.  The strap comes in racing black perforated leather with a stainless steel clasp.

Maintaining the car theme throughout its design, the Tour Auto Optic 2010 comes in gas cap shaped box in the style of a Ford GT.  This watch has racing written all over it.  Only a limited numbered series of 60 are available.