In partnership with Wristcheck, the influential Hong Kong-based platform for buying and selling watches, Audemars Piguet has announced a groundbreaking new initiative: literally putting the future of its historic and much revered Royal Oak in the excitable hands of the public.
From now until November 6th of 2022 [23:59 GMT], the famed Le Brassus watchmaker is hosting a global design competition meant to celebrate the 50-year legacy of Gerald Genta’s most influential integrated sports watch. The prize? Among other things, the very tangible possibility that those who enter (and are judged worthy) will get to see the Royal Oak of their dreams come to life.
Dubbed simply ‘Your Take On The Royal Oak’, this initiative supported by AP and rolled out by Wristcheck is open to participants “from all walks of life” and refreshingly – in a world where commercial competitions are often kneecapped thanks to terms & conditions – few restrictions stand in the way of those who are game to submit their entry.
RELATED: Fine Watchmaking Meets ‘Uncut Gems’ In The H.Moser Streamliner Bucherer BLUE Edition
According to Wristcheck’s thematic website, the only real caveat is that the design – whether drawn, digitally mocked up or 3D-printed (it’s your choice, really) – must utilise the Royal Oak’s iconic octagonal case and screwed bezel as a “canvas.” That notwithstanding, entrants are actively being encouraged to submit as many designs as they’d like. Meaning if you’ve been daydreaming about a tantalum monstrosity with rainbow tapisserie, now’s your opportunity to make sure that it’s thrown firmly onto AP’s radar.
Born out of a casual Zoom call between Austen Chu and François-Henry Bennahmias (CEO of Wristcheck and Audemars Piguet respectively), the Royal Oak design competition will culminate in the selection of three winning entries. The creators behind each – plus a guest of their choosing – will receive flights and an all-inclusive 48-hour trip to AP’s manufacture in the Vallée de Joux – a sprawling domain that consists of the brand’s watchmaking facilities, heritage museum and newly minted Hotel Des Horlogers.
To top all this off, AP may even decide (depending on feasibility) to put any one/all three of the winning Royal Oak designs into production: almost certainly the sort of accolade that any up-and-coming designer would kill to have on their résumé.
“This is an incredible initiative for the community,” said Austen Chu.
“The future of luxury is in transparency and experience… it’s every watch enthusiast’s dream to design a watch in their own way, and now, this is their chance.”
To take a stab at designing the next big Royal Oak, visit the link below and download the template. The three winning designs will be announced via YouTube on November 15th.
