Audemars Piguet Offshore diamonds Watches and Jewelery Hound’s tooth check, gingham or polka-dot fabrics; the stripes on a zebra, the spots on a dalmatian, a checkered flag, a chess board… Black and white are diagonal opposites as inextricably entwined as the day and the night. The Royal Oak Offshore collection gives pride of place to these inseparable twins that remain innately superior to colors in that they never go out of fashion and thus maintain their unassailable dominance.

Audemars Piguet is offering aficionados of Royal Oak Offshore chronographs a range of timepieces that can be appreciated like a crescendo, like an irresistible acceleration of time. The steel and rubber basic models will delight purists looking for a sporting look perfectly suited to their wrist with a 37 mm-diameter case and free of any frills. Exit diamonds! Then come those with a gem-set bezel, designed for refined women with a strong and slightly impertinent nature. And in the ultimate version, steel gives way to white
gold on a black chronograph adorned with the fiery sparkle of hundreds of diamonds.

Steel and rubber make a self-sufficient pairing
These unashamedly sporty models are the first 37 mm Royal Oak Offshore chronographs to turn their noses up at diamonds. The legendary stainless steel octagonal bezel shines with a splendid purity that actually highlights its noble bearing. Its eight polished hexagonal screws stand out clearly and echo the profile of the polished bezel. These brilliant surfaces make an admirable contrast with the satin-brushed finish on the rest of the case. The subtle nuances of the steel vie with the charm of the rubber strap and the black or white pushers. The dials also play on the theme of opposites, with white hour-markers and Arabic numerals adorning the “M e g a T a p i s s e r i e ” motif on the black dial, while the silvered dial features black hands and markers. These two timepieces are clearly destined to become classic basics.

More flirtatious: steel, rubber and diamonds
In an irresistibly tempting combination, the imposing signature case of the Royal Oak Offshore appears with a diamond-set octagonal bezel that lights up the black and steel version radiating an assertively bold style; and matches the silvered dial of the white rubber variation that exudes a cool, fresh charm. Embodying just the right amount of chic sophistication, these interpretations preserve the sporting spirit of this collection focused on rubber and steel and are liable to become summer must-haves.

Scintillating diamonds
Rubber is transfigured and ennobled by the power of diamonds adorning its full-set 18-carat white gold case. Counting the folding clasp securing the strap, this chronograph is embellished by 323 diamonds totalling 5.9 carats. In an ultimate precious touch, the dial counters are crafted in mother-of-pearl and create a striking contrast with the black “Mega Taerie” motif, while the passing hours are marked off with diamonds. This chronograph is destined for exceptional women who will be sure not to miss a moment of life’s most meaningful moments.

Beautiful inside and out
The entire range is equipped with a top-quality self-winding chronograph movement that is impeccably finished. Given the reliability and accuracy of this caliber, these newcomers to the Royal Oak Offshore collection might well lay claim to be simply perfect ? each in their own distinctive way!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
References
26283ST.OO.D002CA.01
Stainless steel, black rubber strap
26283ST.OO.D010CA.01
Stainless steel, white rubber strap

Case
Stainless steel
Diameter: 37 mm
Steel case, polished steel hexagonal screws
Black or white rubber-molded crown and pushers
Back engraved with the Royal Oak Offshore on a polished medallion
Water resistance : 50 m

Dial
Black with exclusive “Mega Taerie” motif, black counters, Arabic numerals and white square hour-markers with a luminescent coating
Silvered with exclusive “Mega Taerie” motif, silvered counters, black Arabic numerals and white square hour-markers with a luminescent coating
White gold hour and minute hands with a luminescent coating

Strap
Black or white rubber with stainless steel AP folding clasp

Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
References
26048SK.ZZ.D002CA.01
Stainless steel, diamond-set bezel, black rubber strap
26048SK.ZZ.D010CA.01
Stainless steel, diamond-set bezel, white rubber strap

Case
Stainless steel
Diameter: 37 mm
Black or white rubber-moulded bezel set with 32 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.25 carats)
Black or white rubber-moulded crown and pushers
Back engraved with the Royal Oak Offshore logo on a polished medallion
Water-resistant to 50 meters

Dial
Black with exclusive “Mega Taerie” motif, black counters, Arabic numerals and white square hour-markers with a luminescent coating or
Silvered with exclusive “Mega Taerie” motif, silvered counters, black Arabic numerals and white square hour-markers with a luminescent coating
White gold hour and minute hands with a luminescent coating

Straps
Black or white rubber with stainless steel AP folding clasp

Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
Reference
26092CK.ZZ.D002CA.01

Case
18-carat gold with black rubber-molded bezel, entirely set with 323 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 5.9 carats)
Diameter: 37 mm
Black rubber-molded crown and pushers
Back engraved with the Royal Oak Offshore logo on a polished medallion
Water-resistant to 20 meters

Dial
Black with exclusive “Mega Ta[word removed]erie” motif, white mother-of-pearl counters, eight diamond hour-markers and white square hour-markers with a luminescent coating
White gold hour and minute hands with a luminescent coating

Strap
Black rubber with AP folding clasp in diamond-set 18-carat white gold

Movement

Calibre : 2385 selfwinding
Total diameter : 26,20 mm
Casing diameter : 11.5 lignes (25,60 mm)
Total thickness : 5.50 mm
37 jewels
Up to 40-hour power reserve
Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour
Finish: all parts meticulously decorated; main-plate circular-grained and sandblasted; counter-pierced holes; bridges circular-grained and adorned with Cotes de Geneve motif

Functions
Hours and minutes
Small seconds
Chronograph with central seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters
Date

The enduring appeal of the Royal Oak family is a combination of Audemars Piguet’s quality and attention to detail and Genta’s iconic design. These elements have been carried over to ranges of jewellery, a Royal Oak pendant and a set of Royal Oak rings.

THE ROYAL OAK PENDANT
The Royal Oak redefines the universal symbol of love: the heart. On the outside, it’s a heart reinterpreted in the style of the Royal Oak collection. There is nothing soppy about this kind of love. On the contrary, it is fashioned by the octagon on which the Royal Oak has built its reputation and cut to form eight polished, angular and gleaming facets. This is a resolutely modern vision of a loving relationship. Last but not least, a detail that is anything but coincidental: the link is attached to the heart not by the middle but on the side, which makes the heart tilts at a slight angle. Meanwhile, a closer look at the inner lines of the heart reveals the harmony of more classically rounded curves. For love is as always a matter of embraces, of sensuality, and of tenderness. The new Royal Oak pendant thus strikes the perfect balance between a stylized heart and a romantic heart, reaching a universal dimension radiating a timeless beauty fully attuned to
today’s woman.
This exquisite jewelery creation is ideal for all occasions. As a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas gift, it can serve as a passionate declaration, a promise and a token of love. It comes in white or pink gold and in a choice of three widths: 20, 28 or 50 mm. All are diamond-set: the 50 mm pendant features a snow setting. It size and its fine craftsmanship make it a truly spectacular necklace. The 28 mm version is pave-set, while the 20 mm is adorned with a grain setting. The pendant can thus be highlighted by a deliberately chosen plunging neckline or discreetly hidden from sight as a luminous intimate adornment.

ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE RINGS
The new Audemars Piguet rings epitomize the finest signature features of the Royal Oak Offshore watch. The result is original models with a strong character embodying a fascinating merger of opposites by combining brute force and refinement. These are jewelery models that will be far more than mere ornaments, perfectly reflecting the beauty and the personality of the woman wearing them.
The Royal Oak Offshore signature codes expressed through these pink or white gold rings are the famous octagon and the “Mega Taerie” motif. The octagon is understated, elegant and distinctive, effortlessly confirming its status as the shape that revolutionized high-end watchmaking. It asserts itself as the emblem of sports watches and is immediately recognizable. The rings skilfully pick up the octagon theme, including the hexagonal screws which appear on the side of the ring. The exclusive “Mega Taerie” criss-cross motif adorning the dial of Royal Oak Offshore chronographs gives the rings a distinctly contemporary technical style. The “Mega Taerie” pattern comes in a choice of three versions. The pure non gem-set version highlights the satin-brushed finish of the gold, magnificently alternating with gleaming polished surfaces. The diamond-adorned variations are either random-set or full-set. And finally, the rings are available
in 12 or 6 mm widths.

The Audemars Piguet Watch Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon Chronograph is a limited edition of 120 watches. The story of it’s creation embodies many qualities of Audemars Piguet Watches.

The Millenary Carbon One has emerged straight from Audemars Piguet’s cutting-edge research laboratory. This special development unit combines the finest talents – engineers, designers and watchmakers – from both of the company’s production sites in Le Brassus and Le Locle. Its mission consists in exploring advanced technical paths in order to ensure 100% in-house conception, prototype creation and production of exclusive movements that are a perfect match for their exterior. The Millenary Carbon One, a limited series of 120 watches, has just emerged from this hotbed of creativity. It is freely inspired by motor sports and their extraordinary ultra-light high-performance speed machines, while adopting the oval shape of the Millenary as a spectacular playground. Its key strengths include a three-dimensional design, innovative materials, and a 100% proprietary movement equipped with a tourbillon, a chronograph and a 10-day power reserve.

Three-Dimensional Design

The Millenary Carbon One embodies the pursuit of research into three-dimensional design that began several years ago with the Tradition d’Excellence N°5, the Millenary with deadbeat seconds, or the classic Jules Audemars Chronometer with Audemars Piguet escapement. In this instance, the aim was to enrich this exploration by making use of new materials.

Three-dimensional design aims to move beyond the classic opposition between outside and inside, between the interior of the watch – its movement – and the exterior – meaning the case and the dial with its multiple displays. Thanks to the open worked dial, the Millenary Carbon One clearly reveals the manner in which its parts are layered on various levels. It shows a caliber featuring a modern design that plays on symmetrical effects such as between the barrels and their bridges on either side of the chronograph counter; on redesigned shapes such as the tourbillon bridge; and on materials.

The latter focus on black, with blackened steel for the bridges on the dial side, eloxed aluminum for the bridges on the underside and carbon for the mainplate. This is however a very special carbon, an isotropic material composed of carbon nano fibres injected at an extremely high pressure of 7500 N/cm2 and at a temperature of 2400°C in order to achieve a material boasting mechanical, physical and chemical stability in all directions. This amorphous and chemically neutral composite material maintains its dimensions over a broad range of temperatures. Due to its absolutely minimal elastic deformation, this carbon also features exceptional mechanical properties well suited to driving in metal elements, such as the foot screws in the body of the main plate. Once in place, these components thus guarantee optimal stability.

Guided by a concern to achieve consistency and continuity, black high-tech materials are also used for the watch exterior. The case is in forged carbon, an ultra-light and resistant material exclusively developed by Audemars Piguet, from the manufacturing method through to the related tools. The sophisticated shapes of the Millenary are achieved thanks to an appropriate mould. A set of threaded carbon filaments is placed inside this mould. This wire measuring just one millimetre in diameter is itself composed of several thousand 7-micron carbon fibres held together by a resin wire.

The case middle of the Millenary Carbone One calls for a set of filaments totaling 12.7 grams. Placed end to end, these filaments are equivalent to 22.7 metres of carbon wire and 102.2 km of carbon fibers ! The mold is then compressed at high temperature at pressures of over 300 kilos per square centimeter. This process results in a material composed of 76% carbon and only 24% polyamide. Its exceptional hardness of 626 Vickers can be compared with the 420 Vickers score for alacrity, already a highly resistant material. The case middle and lugs are made all of a piece. Audemars Piguet than displays the full force of its expertise in the machining process. The inside of the case and the correction of the various drilled holes can thus be meticulously finished. The result is a silky feel with softly rounded shapes for a sturdy yet ultra-light case: the Millenary Carbon One weights just 69.44 grams!

The bezel, crown and pushers are in ceramics, with a shiny black appearance that stands out beautifully against the matt shade of the forged carbon. The blackened steel on the case-back and AP folding clasp on the strap adds another interesting visual contribution. Rarely has a palette of black shades been so subtle, magnifying the white and red accents of the hour-markers, hands, chronograph counter and power-reserve display that ensure optimal readability and enliven the dial of this extremely exclusive limited series.

Thanks to this plunging view of the movement and to the choice of materials, the predominant impression is black, sporty and high-tech, with a few touches of white and red that are distinctly reminiscent of racing car dashboard instruments. In another nod to the automobile world, the offset grid on the subdial at 3 o’clock evokes ventilation ducts and is a component in its own right, which means the dial has to be made in several parts. The Millenary Carbon One watch is intended for connoisseurs of Haute Horlogerie with a decided taste for fine mechanical engineering and who like to remain in the forefront of design, at the exact place where the exterior and the movement meet and merge, and where aesthetic and technical factors blend into a unified whole.

The New Caliber 2884 watch movement

Audemars Piguet Calibre 2884 watch movement is an oval hand-wound movement entirely developed and crafted by AP. It is a complex movement equipped with a tourbillon, an ultra-efficient column-wheel chronograph mechanism and twin barrels. Each movement is first assembled on a trial basis in order to set it into motion. This stage alone calls for ten full days of painstaking adjustments. Once the watchmaker is sure that it runs completely smoothly, he takes it apart and scrupulously cleans the parts before final assembly and casing up. It takes about 15 days to create a finished movement that then undergoes various tests.

The role of the tourbillon is to enhance timekeeping accuracy by enclosing the escapement organs – the wheel, pallet and balance – inside a mobile carriage. This ensures that all parts continually change position, thereby compensating for the variations in rate induced by the effects of gravity. The 80-part tourbillon of the Millenary Carbon One watch is fixed to a blackened steel bridge with an entirely reworked design. Out of the 15 days required for assembly, three are devoted to the tourbillon and its rating adjustments.

Mounted on an aluminium base and specifically built to match the dimensions of the oval case of the Millenary, the chronograph mechanism comprises an extremely efficient coupling lever. Apart from its tip which is contact with the column wheel, the lever is entirely machined in black PVD-coated nickel. It enables double adjustment, thereby guaranteeing enhanced precision and avoiding any jerking of the chronograph hand when the function is activated. The position of the chronograph push-button adds to the originality and sporting character of this watch that resembles a stop watch. The chronograph is stopped and started by the push-button at 10 o’clock, and reset by the one at 2 o’clock. Assembling the chronograph calls for particular care, especially when it comes to final adjustment and synchronisation that ensures the smooth Start/Stop/Reset sequence.

Since synchronization is done entirely by hand using eccentric parts, the process can easily go wrong and entail the replacement of various parts. Moreover, the column wheel can be easily admired through the back of the watch which is fitted with a sapphire crystal pane, thereby also providing a chance to get a closer look at the skilfully cut black Anodic Inactivated Aluminum bridges and the elegant finishing featuring alternating polished and brushed surfaces.

The primary function of the barrel is to store up the mechanical energy required to ensure regular running of the movement. This energy is initially provided by manual winding. The crown on this model is fitted with a torque-restricting device that avoids excess strain during the winding process. The Audemars Piguet Millenary Carbon One watch is equipped with two parallel-coupled barrels ensuring an exceptional 10-day power reserve. The latter is read off on a red and white indicator positioned on the left of the dial. This rapid-rotation twin-barrel system – with a maximum number of revolutions restricted to 19.75 – guarantees constant force during the full ten days of autonomy, thus resulting in enhanced efficiency and improved timekeeping. The available power reserve actually amounts to twelve days, but an ingenious locking system concentrates the watch operation on the ten days with the most regular running.

The barrels play a considerable role in aesthetic terms. Adorned with the prestigious Audemars Piguet signature, they appear in the very depths of the mechanism through the dial, at the heart of the movement, thereby accentuating the three-dimensional effect. The same goes for the carbon main plate which can be glimpsed on an even lower level of the layered movement.

The Audemars Piguet Millenary Carbon One thereby perfectly integrates form and content. Calibre 2884 guarantees peerless performance, while the generous space provided by the oval shape of the case creates a spectacular stage-setting for the movement which is visible from both sides and thus becomes an integral part of the design.

Audemars Piguet watch details

Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon Chronograph

Reference – 26152AU.OO.D002CR.01

Movement

Caliber : 2884 hand-wound with twin barrel and tourbillon – Carbon main plate
Bridges in Anodic Inactivated Aluminum and blackened steel – Total diameter: 38.40 x 33.40 mm

Casing diameter: 37.40 x 32.40 mm – Thickness: 9.7 mm
30 jewels – 336 parts – Up to 240-hour power reserve – Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour – Finishing: all parts decorated by hand.

Case
Forged carbon with black ceramic bezel, crown and push-buttons Dimensions: 47 x 42 mm
Cambered glare proof sapphire crystal – Blackened titanium back fitted with sapphire crystal Water resistant to 20 meters

Dial
Open worked to reveal the movement – White hour-markers with luminescent coating
Blackened luminescent hands

Strap
Hand-sewn “large square scale” crocodile leather with AP folding clasp in blackened titanium

L’Hydroptère Fastest Boat on the Planet Over 1 Nautical Mile. The hydrofoil trimaran sets a new world speed record of 50.17 knots (92.91 km/h), a wonderful gift from Alain Thébault, Thierry Lombard and their team to their new sponsor, Audemars Piguet.

Barely two months after crossing the magical 50-knot threshold, the equivalent of breaking the sound barrier in aviation, l’Hydroptère confirmed its status as the planet’s fastest flying trimaran, beating the world record at an average speed of 50.17 knots* over one nautical mile (92.91 km/h).

Alain Thébault and his ten-man crew achieved this exceptional feat at their speed base in Hyères on Sunday, November 8, in a 28-knot northwesterly wind. L’Hydroptère capped off a fantastic series of records posted in the Mediterranean and set a new benchmark in the world of sailing.

“For 30 years, passion and daring have carried me forward, but this victory really belongs to our indomitable, tight-knit team. The historic record of more than 50 knots over one nautical mile is powerful because it lies at the frontier between the twin capacities of this extraordinary flying trimaran that is both a high-speed craft and an ocean-going sailboat. Our team now holds the top two speed records in the world, 51.36 knots over 500 metres and 50.17 knots over one nautical mile, and we can now concentrate on ocean sailing in 2010″, commented Alain Thébault.

This performance is a wonderful welcome gift for watchmaker Audemars Piguet, which had decided to associate itself with this incredible adventure a few weeks ago, along with private bankers Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie.

The union of Audemars Piguet and Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie around this project is almost natural: as age-old family businesses, they share many values, such as tradition, excellence and expertise. As entrepreneurs, they have a history marked by a commitment to innovation, discovery and inspiring challenges. “Our two firms share the same foundations and the same passions. So it was logical for us to come together on this unique, unconventional and avant-garde project that embodies incredibly powerful human and technological values”, said Thierry Lombard, an avid sailor who is keen on challenges, sailing and technology. Before it became a project of the private bankers, whose founding year – 1796 – is written on the mainsail, l’Hydroptère was originally a personal project.

The 60-ft Hydroptère (from the Greek hydros, water, and ptera, wing), is a hydrofoil trimaran (the foils are actually underwater wings). It is a sleek and elegant craft with a central hull and a mast 28 metres high, stabilised by two side floats separated from the hull by huge 24-metre carbon crossbeams built at the Airbus plant in Nantes. The innovative design of the boat, which flies on submerged wings, cleverly constructed out of carbon and titanium, make it much faster, more durable and lightweight (only 6.5 tonnes). The flight envelope of the prototype is continuously defined and validated on a 3D flight simulator developed specifically for this carbon bird, which represents the new generation of extreme sailing.

Alain Thébault, designer and skipper of this Formula 1 of the seas, had always dreamt of making a boat fly. After 20 years of research and development, the flying boat is now a robust, powerful craft thanks to the help of eight retired engineers from Dassault Aviation and EADS-Airbus who volunteered their time. l’Hydroptère is the perfect combination of cutting edge technology, performance and human adventure. This unique project was created by a team of sailing buffs, engineers, technicians and aircraft manufacturers. In 2006, the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) joined the team and became “Official Scientific Adviser” to assist in advanced fields such as aero-hydrodynamics, composite materials, structural behaviour and video imaging.

The world of sailing is a field that Audemars Piguet knows well. As early as 1985, the watchmaking firm accompanied Peter Fehlmann, winner of the Whitbread. In 2000, it participated in its first America’s Cup, with “Be hAPpy”, and then went on to take part in the fantastic Swiss victories in the 31 and 32 America’s Cup. In 2008 and 2009, the watchmaker was alongside Ladycat on the Decision 35 circuit on Lake Geneva. Today, it has become one of two main sponsors in the wonderful world of l’Hydroptère.

Audemars Piguet has authored the most beautiful pages in the history of watchmaking in its quest for technological innovation, daring and excellence, ceaselessly pushing back the limits of the possible, a philosophy shared by l’Hydroptère.

Like Audemars Piguet, which can boast a number of horological performances including a many world firsts such as the creation in 1972 of the legendary Royal Oak, the first luxury steel watch; or the 2006 launch of the new high-performance, lubricant-free Audemars Piguet escapement, l’Hydroptère also has a long list of achievements to its credit. On Friday September 4 2009, in Hyères, France, Alain Thébault and his outstanding ten-man crew set two outright sailing speed world records: over 500 metres, at an average speed of 51.36 knots (95.118 km/h) and over one nautical mile (1,852 m) at an average of 48.74 knots (90.266 km/h). These records were ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, the official keeper of all records pertaining to sailing. On November 8, 2009, l’Hydroptère once again made history by setting a new record: an average speed of 50.17 knots, equivalent to 92.91 km/h, over one nautical mile* with a peak at 55.5 knots (102.78 km/h). Even if all records are made to be broken, this one will be very hard to match over that distance.

“Thanks to this historic double record, l’Hydroptère is confirmed as the fastest sailcraft on the planet. This exceptional performance is a tribute to the work of a determined and experienced team, which developed and implemented revolutionary and innovative solutions. We can fully relate to this extraordinary challenge, which is perfectly consistent with the pioneering and adventurous spirit of our brand,” said Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet.
But the human and sporting adventure does not stop there. Audemars Piguet and Lombard Odier are also sponsoring l’Hydroptère.ch, which will take to the waters of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, in summer 2010. It will serve as a laboratory and a think tank for the ambitious Hydroptère Maxi project, the ultimate goal of which is to sail round the world in 40 days, thus pursuing the dream of Jules Verne.

“This great human and technological adventure is backed today by two prestigious firms that solidify our roots. The arrival of Audemars Piguet alongside private bankers Lombard Odier moves me deeply. This strong support is a great motivational force for me and the team. In an ongoing humble family spirit, our ambition is now to unfurl our wings on the open seas, collectively and around the world,” concludes Alain Thébault.

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Pride of Mexico” Limited Edition of 100 Pieces in 18kt Rose Gold and 200 Pieces in Titanium.

To commemorate Mexico’s Independence Bicentennial, Audemars Piguet has created these two special versions of the Royal Oak Offshore.The caseback features the “Angel of Independence” symbol of the statue that prominently sits in Mexico City’s main thoroughfare. The dial features the colors of the Mexican flag (red, green and white).

The case, in either 18kt rose gold or in titanium (with steel bezel), measures 42mm x 14.7mm. It has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 100 meters. The dial is finished in “Mega Tappiserie” and the strap is hornback crocodile green leather with either a gold or steel buckle.
Movement is the automatic AP caliber 2326/2840 with a power reserve of 38 hours. It features Cotes de Geneva finishing.

SAVE THE CHILDREN CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY AND PRESENTS ONLINE CHARITY AUCTION

Items up for bid include a one-of-a-kind Audemars Piguet timepiece engraved with President George H.W. Bush’s signature

New York, NY (August 29th, 2007) – On September 6th, 2007, Save the Children will celebrate 75 years of innovation and inspiration for children in need in the United States and around the world. The special gala will honor George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States, Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, and Melinda French Gates, Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for their global humanitarian work and steadfast support of Save the Children and its programs, which reach 12 U.S. states and over 50 countries worldwide.

In conjunction with this momentous milestone event, Save the Children has partnered with Charity Folks, the leading online marketplace for nonprofit fundraising, to launch an unprecedented online auction.

The auction features amazing one-of-a-kind items and experiences; with one item in particular that will appeal to watch and presidential memorabilia collectors. Save the Children proudly announced the support of President George H.W. Bush and Audemars Piguet, the legendary Swiss watch manufacture, when President George H.W. Bush graciously agreed to donate his iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph to be auctioned on the Charity Folks Web site.

“This is a truly unique piece as it is the only one in the world with his signature engraved on the back of the case,” said a representative from Save the Children.

“Audemars Piguet, the oldest Swiss watch manufacture still in the hands of founding families, is proud to join President George H.W. Bush to support Save the Children in their efforts to create real and lasting change for children in need in the US and the world. Audemars Piguet is still a family owned company because it has always known that daring to innovate is nothing without commitment and sharing. As a family owned company, we could never find a better cause to support than Save the Children,” said Francois Henry Bennahmias, President of Audemars Piguet North America.

President George H.W. Bush set the gold standard for generosity when he graciously announced his contribution to the auction. Other items in the auction range from lunch with baseball legend Yogi Berra at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, to a 007 James Bond experience, VIP tickets to attend the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship, the chance to own your very own ruby and sapphire encrusted Vertu phone, and an all-inclusive adventure for four with Cokie Roberts and Charles McCormack, CEO and President of Save the Children, exploring STC programs in Africa.

Bidding begins on Thursday, August 30th, and closes Thursday, September 20th, 2007, at 6PM EDT at www.charityfolks.com/savethechildren. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities for the world’s children to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

About Save The Children

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 100 countries.

About Charity Folks

Charity Folks is the recognized leader in an important and growing niche within cause marketing – online auctions for charitable causes. Managing high-profile auctions online, Charity Folks has raised over $6mm to date for charity and reinforced positive brand and created “halo” for corporate and celebrity clients, while enabling consumers to buy highly coveted auction lots donated by today’s hottest Hollywood A-listers and top-tier brands. Among its special partners are hallmark nonprofits, including Entertainment Industry; A-list celebrities, such as Alicia Keys and Morgan Freeman; and top-brand corporations, including Variety and Esquire Magazine.

About Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is the oldest Haute Horlogère watchmaker still in the hands of its founding families, perpetuating a legacy based on three fundamental values: tradition, excellence, and creative daring, particularly in the field of complex watch mechanisms where it holds a record number of world firsts.

Now lets see Movado do something like this!

The great debate, which, under pressure from the barons of timekeeping, has just begun regarding a reformed definition of ‘Swiss Made’ leading to stricter requirements, is going to weigh heavily on the industry’s suppliers.

Called, up to now, watchmaking’s ‘annex branches’, similar to the secondary branches of a tree, the sup-pliers currently run the risk of finding themselves as the main trunk of the watch tree. We know that they are being smothered with orders and that they are trying hard to satisfy them all. In addition, they are also the coveted prey in a frantic race towards industrial verticalization by many brands seeking to establish their independence. All of a sudden, the number of ‘bottlenecks’ in the supply chain has grown considerably in an increasingly nervous environment.

Given this scenario, the reform of the term Swiss Made – there is nothing to say that it will actually be carried out especially in view of the vocal oppo-sition in Europe – can be perceived as either a unique opportunity for development or as a potential danger.
Why? At first glance, reforming the term is a wonderful opportunity. If 80 percent of the value of a mechanical watch should be of Swiss origin, (it is currently 50 percent) it would logically seem to follow that the number of Swiss component parts would automatically increase. This is certainly the case for the very high-end sector, which is leading the battle cry for a renewed definition of Swiss Made. But is it also true for the mid-range and lower-end segments of the market? There, things begin to get more complicated. For example, we know that the production of Swiss cases is not only largely insufficient to meet the demand, but that the costs are very high. The same holds true for Swiss dials.
However, as explains Peter C. Stas, owner of Frédérique Constant: for a brand, which retails mid-range mechanical watches at CHF 1,000, to be able to comply with the 80 percent Swiss Made stipulation, “the only option currently available is to ensure that the foreign component parts are priced as low as possible.” By following this reasoning and by itemizing the prices of the various components and assembly oper-ations, we arrive at a surprising paradox. It is easier to obtain an 80 percent Swiss Made watch in the lower-end segment of the market than in the mid-range!

In a low-end watch with a cost price of CHF 95, for example, the price of a case and dial of poor quality made in Asia (CHF 10 and CHF 5, respectively) represent only a small percentage of the total price (about 16 percent). The lion’s share comes from the Swiss movement (an ETA 2824 costs CHF 65) and the assembly conducted in Switzerland (CHF 15), accounting for about 84 percent of the total price. So, as you can see, this immediately qualifies the piece as Swiss Made since more than 80 percent of its value comes from products originating in Switzerland.

However, the situation changes for the mid-range. Since the cost of a Swiss case is prohibitive (and in any case, there is not enough supply to meet demand), the brand must purchase a good quality case in Asia (CHF 45). Add CHF 8 for a good foreign dial, CHF 65 for an ETA movement, plus CHF 15 for assembly in Switzerland, and you have a piece at a cost price of CHF 133. In this example, the value of the Swiss components is only 60 percent of the total, so the watch does not qualify as Swiss Made!

This is a serious situation as it implies that meeting the 80 percent stipulation for Swiss Made could result in a decrease in quality. So, are there any alternatives? Certainly, says Peter C. Stas, who proposes that the calculation of the Swiss Made definition include the costs of research, development, design, and management. He also suggests that the Swiss Made label only be attributed to companies having their headquarters in Switzerland, with the related costs being included in the calculation for the Swiss ‘contents’.

These two ideas are interesting. But in the medium and long term, wouldn’t the real solution be a vast re-industrialization of the sector, where competitive prices can be guaranteed by the volume and productivity gains offered by more advanced technologies? In its own time, Swatch proved that it was possible. Is it possible again?

But Movado Watches stay the same!

 Some famous singers mention Audemars Piguet watches in there songs here some that i found.

1.) Rapper Jay-Z has referenced Audemars Piguet in several songs, including “Show You How” (“Damn you fadin’ hov, how you gave ‘em that? The Audemars Piguet, with the alligator strap”), Upgrade U by Beyonce (“Partner let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you”), and “Big Spender” by Freeway(“{Hey!} Rose gold, Royal Oak”).

   2.) Audemars Piguet is referenced in the song titled, “We Fly High” by Jim Jones (“100Gs worth of ice on da Audemars”).

   3.)  Audemars Piguet is referenced in the song titled, “Diamonds” by Fabolous featuring Young Jeezy (“I don’t do Breitlings, I do APs”).

Actively involved in golf since 1988 alongside Nick Faldo, the Manufacture Audemars Piguet is proud to have Cristie Kerr as one its ambassadors. The talented young golfer has just added a new victory to her impressive tally by winning the Ladies’ US Open 2007, on July 1st.

To celebrate this magnificent victory, Cristie Kerr paid a visit to Audemars Piguet’s New York City flagship boutique on Thursday July 5th, with trophy in hand.

Audemars Piguet is a long-time supporter of Cristie’s and was proud to welcome her back to New York City after her big weekend at Pine Needles. The brand shares essential values with the young champion, including a constant quest for perfection, concern for details, and patience dedicated to the cause of excellence.

AP Watches

There’s great interest in complications now among women and a growing women-watch-connoisseurs market,” notes Sue Rechner, former president of and now consultant to midprice Victorinox Swiss Army watches. “More and more women are interested in technical properties of watches, in complications and proprietary movements,” agrees Jenny Piaget, spokeswoman for high-end JeanRichard.

More of these are designed specifically for women, such as Milus’s Merea TriRetrograde Seconds, rather than being downsized men’s models. Franck Muller Geneve, for example, created the world’s smallest tourbillon—specifically for women watch connoisseurs. Audemars Piguet’s women’s automatic Millenary Starlit Sky uses its first complications movement created for a woman’s watch (and platform for future women’s watches), “because many women appreciate the subtleties of mechanical watchmaking,” says a company statement.

Other examples include Harry Winston’s platinum Ocean (seconds and days retrogrades); Pierre Kunz’s Tahiti Moon retrograde (minutes, hours), with Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial; and Rado’s Original automatic.

Citizen’s newest light-powered Eco-Drive calibre is for its women’s Riva chronograph. “More women want complications, and these [with full diamonds and mother-of-pearl inlays] are also feminine, making them more appealing to women,” says Stuart Zuckerman, senior vice president of Citizen Watch of America.

Watch movements

A movement in watchmaking is the mechanism that measures the passage of time and displays the current time (and possibly other information including date, month and day). Movements may be entirely mechanical, entirely electronic (potentially with no moving parts), or a blend of the two. Most watches intended mainly for timekeeping today have electronic movements, with mechanical hands on the face of the watch indicating the time.

Purely mechanical watches are still popular, although they are most commonly seen among expensive, collectible watches such as Fortis, Omega, Rolex and TAG Heuer. Their superb craftsmanship accounts for much of the attraction of purely mechanical watches. Compared to electronic movements, mechanical watches keep very poor time, often with errors of seconds per day. They are frequently sensitive to position and temperature, they are costly to produce, they require regular maintenance and adjustment, and they are more prone to failure.

Generally speaking, inexpensive and moderately priced timepieces with electronic movements now provide most users with timekeeping more accurate than the most expensive Rolex. However, in recent times there has been less emphasis on time precision as many people now carry multiple devices that will tell them the time such as mobile phones, PDAs and laptops, so finely crafted mechanical watches have remained popular less as time pieces and more because of their aesthetic value as jewelry.

Tuning fork watches (introduced by Bulova in 1960) use a 360 hertz tuning fork to drive a mechanical watch. Since the fork is used in place of a typical balance wheel, these watches naturally hum instead of tick.

The inventor, Max Hetzel, was born in Basel, Switzerland, and joined the Bulova Watch Company of Bienne, Switzerland, in 1948. Hetzel was the first to use an electronic device, a transistor, in a wristwatch. Thus, he developed the first watch that could be qualified as electronic. However, fork movements are actually more “electrical”, like an old electrical wall clock, than electronic. The sweep second hand moves fluidly like that of an old electrical wall clock.

Such watches were also sold by Swiss watch companies under license of Bulova. In 1974, after leaving Bulova, Hetzel developed a different tuning fork drive for Omega Watches. The watch featured a cal. 1220 micromotor, and a tuning fork frequency of 720 hertz.[3] This development was obsolete compared to the newer electronic quartz watch which had become cheaper to produce and even more accurate.

Tuning fork movements are electromechanical. The task of converting electronically pulsed fork vibration into rotary movement is done via two tiny jeweled fingers, called pawls, one of which is connected to one of the tuning fork’s tines. As the fork vibrates, the pawls precisely ratchet a tiny index wheel. This index wheel has over 300 barely visible teeth and spins more than 38 million times per year. The tiny electric coils that drive the tuning fork have 8000 turns of insulated copper wire with a diameter of 0.015 mm and a length of 90 meters. This amazing feat of engineering was prototyped in the 1950s.

Electronic movements have few or no moving parts. Essentially, all modern electronic movements use the piezoelectric effect in a tiny quartz crystal to provide a stable time base for a mostly electronic movement: the crystal forms a quartz oscillator which resonates at a specific and highly stable frequency, and which can be used to accurately pace a timekeeping mechanism. For this reason, electronic watches are often called quartz watches. Most quartz movements are primarily electronic but are geared to drive mechanical hands on the face of the watch in order to provide a traditional analog display of the time, which is still preferred by most consumers.

The first prototypes of electronic quartz watches were made by the CEH research laboratory in Switzerland in 1962. The first quartz watch to enter production was the Seiko 35 SQ Astron, which appeared in 1969. Modern quartz movements are produced in very large quantities, and even the cheapest wristwatches typically have quartz movements.

The best quartz movements are significantly more accurate than the worst, but the difference is much smaller than that found between mechanical movements and quartz movements. Quartz movements, even in their most inexpensive forms, are an order of magnitude more accurate than purely mechanical movements. Whereas mechanical movements can typically be off by several seconds a day, an inexpensive quartz movement in a child’s wristwatch may still be accurate to within 500 milliseconds per day—ten times better than a mechanical movement.

Quartz mechanisms usually have a resonant frequency of 32768 Hz, chosen for ease of use (being 215). Using a simple 15 stage divide-by-two circuit, this is turned into a 1 pulse per second signal responsible for the watch’s keeping of time.

Some electronic quartz watches are able to synchronize themselves with an external time source. These sources include radio time signals directly driven by atomic clocks, time signals from GPS navigation satellites, the German DCF77 signal in Europe, and others. These watches are free-running most of the time, but periodically align themselves with the chosen external time source automatically, typically once a day.

Because these watches are regulated by an external time source of extraordinarily high accuracy, they are never off by more than a small fraction of a second a day (depending on the quality of their quartz movements), as long as they can receive the external time signals that they expect. Additionally, their long-term accuracy is comparable to that of the external time signals they receive, which in most cases (such as GPS signals and special radio transmissions of time based on atomic clocks) is better than one second in three million years. For all practical purposes, then, radio-controlled wristwatches keep near perfect time.

Movements of this type synchronize not only the time of day but also the date, the leap-year status of the current year, and the current state of daylight saving time (on or off). They obtain all of this information from the external signals that they receive. Because of this continual automatic updating, they never require manual setting or resetting.

A disadvantage of radio-controlled movements is that they cannot synchronize if radio reception conditions are poor. Even in this case, however, they will simply run autonomously with the same accuracy as a normal quartz watch until they are next able to synchronize.