John Mayer Appreciates the Unique Characteristics of the Royal Oak
Reimagined Journey Through Luxury Timepieces
John Mayer recently added yet another timepiece to his impressive collection—an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, crafted in collaboration and released last year. This beauty boasts a starry sky dial and a perpetual calendar function. But this week, even Mayer couldn't resist the allure of a discontinued Royal Oak.
The chosen one—the reference 25829ST—stands as proof of Audemars Piguet's pioneering role in creating groundbreaking designs and compelling complications. Conceptualized in the 1970s as a simple three-hand model by Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak evolved into a versatile platform for more intricate, stunning timepieces like the one Mayer now covets. This reference, produced between 1996 and 2023, marked one of the many marvelous combinations of piercing mechanical prowess and breathtaking aesthetics.
According to enrichment data, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar with openworked movement wasn't just limited to 371 steel pieces; several hundred more were created in precious metals and two-tone. One of these steel wonders hammered for a significantsum of 302,400 Swiss francs (approximately $317,000) at Phillips in 2022.
The steel construction lends a certain rugged elegance to this masterwork. A man of Mayer's taste and knowledge, undoubtedly, appreciates this, for to him, the steel version of the watch encapsulates the essence of the Royal Oak. While the watch is manufactured in various materials today, it was made to be in steel—a fact championed by original advertisements for the Royal Oak. One ad even humorously posed the question, "What makes steel more valuable than gold?" with the answer, "In two words, Audemars Piguet."
The ref. 25829ST measures 39 mm in diameter, with a vertically brushed case, a matching integrated bracelet, and the iconic octagonal screwed bezel typical of the Royal Oak series. A sapphire crystal allows glimpses of the skeletonized, automatic cal. 2120/2802 movement and the various details it displays,such as central hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, month and leap year display, date display, moon phase display, and day display.
While an openworked steel perpetual calendar isn't currently available in the Audemars Piguet collection, the ref. 25829ST fills a unique niche. Despite being over 20 years old, it remains a stunning design that has stood the test of time.
Iconic Wristwatches on the Red Carpet
Daniel Dae Kim's A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual
Known for his impeccable style, actor Daniel Dae Kim dazzled at the Tony Awards wearing a perpetual calendar-equipped A. Lange & Söhne Datograph. The white gold timepiece, adorned with a grey dial, paid homage to the German marque's first creation blending a chronograph and perpetual calendar, somewhat reminiscent of the prestigious Patek Philippe ref. 2499.
Dirk Nowitzki's Patek Philippe Aquanaut
At Roland Garros, basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki made a splash wearing a Patek Philippe Aquanaut with a white gold case and a stunning blue-black gradient pattern dial. Despite its 42.2-mm diameter, the watch looked petite on his towering 7-foot frame. Noteworthy for its simplicity and sporty aesthetic, the Aquanaut has become one of Patek Philippe's most sought-after contemporary wristwatches.
Pharrell Williams' Richard Mille RM 74-02
Music icon Pharrell Williams arrived at Roland Garros sporting the Richard Mille RM 74-02, a high-end watch characterised by its automatic tourbillon, gold carbon TPT tonneau-shaped case, and skeletonized cal. CRMT5 movement. Featuring a mix of details in gold and quartz fiber, the RM 74-02 boasts an impressive price tag of $550,000.
Kai Cenat's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
American streamer and influencer Kai Cenat donned an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked at the NBA Finals. The timepiece, with a 41 mm rose gold case, showcased the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and precision. Although it might not be the subtlest accessory, the Double Balance Wheel Openworked is undeniably captivating.
The discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, significant for its innovative design and intricate complications, epitomizes a fusion of style and sports, making it a coveted piece in the realm of luxury fashion. In the same vein, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph worn by Daniel Dae Kim at the Tony Awards embodies the timeless elegance of a sports watch, imbuing it with a touch of high-end fashion.
