Why This Watch Matters A watch you might not have known existed has just become the watch you cannot live without. The Full Story Sure, the Royal Oak is undeniably great and when you play word association with Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak may be the first thing that pops into your head. However, AP is so much more than a single watch or a single model family even. From early perpetual calendar wristwatches to the stainless steel cased, hobnail bezeled, time-only peice we have here, an argument can be made that AP is actually at its best when stepping outside of its Royal Oak comfort zone. Produced in the 1990s in a limited edition run of 50 (yeah, 50), the ref. 15096 truly delivers at every turn. Start with the dial, which is finished with a guicholle pattern in the center as well as the "new style" font AP at 12 o'clock and the outer section features Roman numeral hour markers. The finishing is just incredible, this is a dial where you can get lost in it with a loupe. In a slightly taupe, off-white tone, the dial sits subtly on the wrist rather than a stark white. The stainless steel case is unexpected for a "dress" watch from a member of the holy trinity yet works so well and, along with the cream dial, allows this AP to fly under the radar. A wide-set hobnail-style bezel makes the watch play much larger in the metal than the 36mm diameter might suggest. On the movement, the rotor is marked with "No. 4/50," boasting the limited nature of the reference. Fun fact, this caliber, on full display under a sapphire exhibition caseback, was the same base as that of the "Jumbo" Royal Oak until the update in 2022. We paired this AP with our Holland watch strap in taupe because the color plays off of the dial and case so well and, well, we love grey around here at HODINKEE. The watch is completed by a AP deployant buckle in a case-matching stainless steel – check out the design with two large, extended "AP" logos mirroring each other in the clasp's blades. The Fine Print Maker: Audemars PiguetModel: N/AReference: 15096Year: 1990sCase No: D84635Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 7.5mm thicknessCrystal: SapphireLume: NoneCaliber: Audemars Piguet, self-winding, caliber 21CBracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Holland Calfskin Watch Strap In TaupeLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Stainless steel case- Guilloché-patterned, off-white dial- Limited edition of 50 Things To Know: - Scratches on case The watch is in overall excellent condition. The case remains strong with some light scratches from regular wear. The case appears to be unpolished. The caseback is in good shape with some light scratches – the case number is still visible. There are light scratches to the rear of the lugs from strap changing. The dial and hands are in great condition, with a touch of very light patina across the board. Overall, the dial presents as in clean condition on the wrist. The "AP" deployant clasp is in excellent condition with light scratches. The dial, case, movement, and clasp are signed by Audemars Piguet. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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