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 Gentaโs 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 โYour Take On The Royal Oakโ, this initiative supported by AP and rolled out by Wristcheck is open to participants โfrom all walks of lifeโ and refreshingly โ in a world where commercial competitions are often kneecapped thanks to terms & conditions โ few restrictions stand in the way of those who are game to submit their entry.
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According to Wristcheckโs thematic website, the only real caveat is that the design โ whether drawn, digitally mocked up or 3D-printed (itโs your choice, really) โ must utilise the Royal Oakโs iconic octagonal case and screwed bezel as a โcanvas.โ That notwithstanding, entrants are actively being encouraged to submit as many designs as theyโd like. Meaning if youโve been daydreaming about a tantalum monstrosity with rainbow tapisserie, nowโs your opportunity to make sure that itโs thrown firmly onto APโs radar.
Born out of a casual Zoom call between Austen Chu and Franรงois-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 โ plus a guest of their choosing โ will receive flights and an all-inclusive 48-hour trip to APโs manufacture in the Vallรฉe de Joux โ a sprawling domain that consists of the brandโs 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 rรฉsumรฉ.
โThis is an incredible initiative for the community,โ said Austen Chu.
โThe future of luxury is in transparency and experienceโฆ itโs every watch enthusiastโs dream to design a watch in their own way, and now, this is their chance.โ
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.