So, Audemars Piguet, AP for short, is like, a *big deal* in the watch world. We’re talking serious luxury, craftsmanship, the whole shebang. They’re mostly known for their complicated mechanical movements, the kind that watch nerds drool over and cost more than a decent car. But… they *do* dabble in quartz.
Yeah, I know, it sounds kinda…wrong, doesn’t it? AP, *the* AP, making quartz watches? It’s like finding out your favorite steakhouse also sells microwaved burritos. But hey, gotta appeal to different markets, right?
The thing is, quartz movements, while not as “romantic” as mechanical ones (all those tiny gears and springs, so cool!), are super reliable. They’re battery-powered, keep excellent time, and don’t need constant winding or servicing. For someone who just wants a gorgeous watch that, you know, actually tells the right time without any fuss, a quartz AP might be the ticket.
From what I’ve seen, the Royal Oak is the model where you’re most likely to find a quartz option. Specifically, the smaller ones. Like, the “Mini Royal Oak” is apparently rocking a Caliber 2730 quartz movement, and they’re saying it’s super efficient. Over seven years of battery life? That’s impressive, even if it’s not the mechanically mesmerizing caliber we usually associate with them.
And then there’s the whole “entry-level” thing. Apparently, a 33mm stainless steel quartz Royal Oak is the, uh, *cheapest* way to get your wrist into the AP club. I say “cheapest” with air quotes, because at $15,400, it’s still more expensive than my entire apartment. But compared to a tourbillon or a perpetual calendar, it’s practically a steal! (Okay, not really, but you get my drift).
Honestly, I’m torn. On one hand, I’m a sucker for mechanical movements. There’s just something so satisfying about knowing you’re wearing a tiny, intricate machine on your wrist. But on the other hand, I can see the appeal of a quartz AP. It’s still an AP, with all the design and prestige that comes with it. And it’s probably more accurate than my vintage automatic that gains five minutes a day. Plus, for someone who’s new to the luxury watch world, it’s a less daunting (and slightly less expensive) way to get started.
