It’s the kind of thing that watch enthusiasts dream of, not only getting to design your own timepiece, but doing so in collaboration with the famed Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet.
That’s right, the historic brand has just pulled the wraps off a new series of special edition timepieces that were developed in collaboration with collectors from the United Arab Emirates. With each of the three pieces dedicated to the Middle East, they were created to showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
The collaboration took place via the first of its kind ‘Create the Extraordinary’ workshop held in Dubai back in June 2022. This event marked a first in the fine watchmaking world, as it allowed collectors to directly influence the design process alongside Audemars Piguet’s creative teams.
The trio of watches in the collection include a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin featuring the innovative Bulk Metallic Glass (a first for Audemars Piguet); Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked crafted in white ceramic, showcasing precision engineering with enhanced stability; and Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon with a stunning meteorite dial, blending high horology with a distinctly modern aesthetic.
While the identity of the watch collectors who collaborated remains unknown, each watch in the exclusive series features an engraved caseback with the inscriptions “Special Edition” and “Create the Extraordinary,” highlighting the collaborative spirit and innovative approach that Audemars Piguet has nurtured over generations. The collection reflects contemporary design elements while embodying the brand’s longstanding values of passion and cooperation.
These special editions serve as a testament to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to creating unique, high-quality timepieces that resonate with the cultural and aesthetic preferences of the Middle East.