The watch world is a fascinating realm where tradition and innovation constantly collide. It's a place where centuries-old craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology, and where the familiar is often reimagined in daring new ways. This is precisely the territory where MAD Paris and seconde/seconde/ have staked their claim, consistently pushing the boundaries of horological creativity. Their latest collaboration, the "Royal Order" Royal Oak, takes this spirit of audacious reimagining to a whole new level.
Before diving into the specifics of this extraordinary timepiece, it's worth understanding the forces behind its creation. MAD Paris has carved a niche for itself by transforming iconic watches into bespoke works of art. They take the familiar and elevate it, injecting a dose of rebellious spirit into designs that were perhaps becoming a bit too predictable. Think of them as the rebels of haute horology, the ones who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and redefine what a luxury watch can be.
Courtesy of MAD seconde/seconde/
seconde/seconde/, the brainchild of Romaric Andre, operates with a similar philosophy. Andre, who sort of stumbled into the watch world after a stint in finance (including an attempt to create a tourbillon-equipped cell phone!), has a knack for taking classic designs and adding a subtle yet impactful twist. Whether it's repositioning a logo to interact with the hands or replacing a traditional seconds hand with an 8-bit shark fin, seconde/seconde/ injects a playful, unexpected element into familiar forms.
Now, imagine these two forces joining forces to reimagine one of the most iconic watches of all time: the
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a game-changer. Designed by Gerald Genta, it was a luxury sports watch in stainless steel, a concept that was practically unheard of at the time. Its bold octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and "tapisserie" dial became instant hallmarks of Audemars Piguet, and the Royal Oak remains one of the most coveted watches in the world today.
So, what happens when MAD Paris and seconde/seconde/ get their hands on this horological legend? They create the "Royal Order," a limited-edition Royal Oak that retains the essence of the original while simultaneously turning it on its head. The key to this transformation lies in the dial, where the traditional layout has been completely reconfigured. Imagine all the familiar elements – the hour markers, the minute track, the AP logo, and the date window – carefully extracted and then meticulously rearranged in a vertical stack on the left side of the dial.
This seemingly simple act of deconstruction and reconstruction has a profound impact on the watch's aesthetic. It's as if the dial has been re-programmed, its information hierarchy re-coded. The eye, accustomed to scanning the dial in a circular motion, is now drawn to a single vertical axis. This creates a sense of ordered disorder, a deliberate disruption of the expected.
Courtesy of MAD seconde/seconde/
The "Royal Order" is based on the Royal Oak 15400ST, a 41mm stainless steel model powered by the in-house caliber 3120. This automatic movement, with its 22ct gold rotor and 60-hour power reserve, is a testament to Audemars Piguet's commitment to mechanical excellence. The 15400ST, in its original form, is a watch that exudes understated sophistication. It's a timepiece that can be dressed up or down, equally at home in a boardroom or at a weekend brunch.
But the "Royal Order" is not about blending in. It's a statement piece, a watch that demands attention. It's for the collector who appreciates the heritage of the Royal Oak but also craves something unique, something that challenges conventions. It's a watch that sparks conversations, a timepiece that invites closer inspection.
Looking at the image of the "Royal Order," the first thing that strikes you is the stark contrast between the traditional Royal Oak case and bracelet and the radically altered dial. The stainless steel case, with its brushed and polished finishes, is a study in refined elegance. The integrated bracelet, with its meticulously crafted links, flows seamlessly from the case, creating a sense of harmonious continuity. But then your eye is drawn to the dial, and the familiar gives way to the unexpected.
The
Deep Blue dial, with its subtle gradient, provides the perfect backdrop for the rearranged elements. The hour markers, now lined up vertically at the top left, take on a new prominence. Below them, the minute track adds a sense of rhythm and order. The AP logo, positioned beneath the markers, anchors the design, while the date window at the very bottom adds a touch of practicality.
Courtesy of MAD seconde/seconde/
Recall that this unique timepiece is based on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400ST. This means we're dealing with a 41mm stainless steel case, a size that offers a contemporary presence on the wrist without being overly bulky. The case retains the Royal Oak's signature octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal screws, a design element that has become synonymous with the collection. The interplay of brushed and polished surfaces on the case creates a dynamic visual effect, catching the light in different ways as the watch moves.
Of course, no discussion of the Royal Oak would be complete without mentioning its integrated bracelet. This design element, pioneered by Audemars Piguet in the 1970s, remains a hallmark of the collection. The bracelet on the "Royal Order" is a work of art in itself, with each link meticulously crafted and finished to the highest standards. The way the bracelet flows seamlessly from the case is a testament to the watchmakers' dedication to achieving perfect harmony between form and function.
But it's the dial that truly sets the "Royal Order" apart. As we explored in Part 1, the dial takes all the familiar elements of a Royal Oak – the hour markers, the minute track, the AP logo, and the date window – and rearranges them in a vertical stack on the left side. This seemingly simple act of deconstruction and reconstruction has a profound impact on the watch's aesthetic. It's a bold move, a deliberate departure from the expected.
The dial itself is a deep blue, with a subtle gradient that adds depth and intrigue. The "tapisserie" pattern, a hallmark of the Royal Oak, is still present, providing a textured backdrop for the rearranged elements. The hour markers, now lined up vertically, are applied and faceted, catching the light with every movement of the wrist. The minute track, positioned below the hour markers, adds a sense of rhythm and order to the design.
Courtesy of MAD seconde/seconde/
The AP logo, typically located at 12 o'clock, is now positioned beneath the hour markers, almost as if it's observing the rearranged elements with a sense of curiosity. And finally, the date window, a practical necessity on any modern watch, is located at the very bottom of the stack, completing the vertical composition.
This reconfigured dial is not just a visual trick; it's a reimagining of how we interact with time. Our eyes, accustomed to scanning a watch dial in a circular motion, are now drawn to a single vertical axis. This creates a sense of ordered disorder, a deliberate disruption of the expected.
Powering the "Royal Order" is the Audemars Piguet caliber 3120, a self-winding movement that exemplifies the brand's commitment to mechanical excellence. This movement, with its 22ct gold rotor and 60-hour power reserve, is a marvel of micro-engineering. It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
The caliber 3120 is also a visually stunning movement, with Côtes de Genève decoration and circular graining. While the "Royal Order" doesn't have a display case back, knowing that this exquisite movement is ticking away beneath the dial adds to the watch's allure.
The "Royal Order" is a limited edition of just 10 pieces, each made to order. This exclusivity adds to the watch's desirability, making it a true collector's item. The suggested retail price is €74,000, a reflection of the watch's rarity, craftsmanship, and the level of customization involved.
Courtesy of MAD seconde/seconde/
It's important to note that MAD Paris operates independently of Audemars Piguet. They acquire Royal Oak watches on the secondary market and then customize them according to their clients' wishes. This means that the original Audemars Piguet warranty no longer applies. However, MAD Paris offers its own warranty on the customized watches, ensuring that their clients are protected.
The "Royal Order" is a watch that pushes the boundaries of horological creativity. It's a timepiece that respects the heritage of the Royal Oak while simultaneously challenging its conventions. It's a watch for the collector who appreciates tradition but also craves something unique, something that stands out from the crowd.