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Some watches tell time. Others tell stories. Audemars Piguet? It does both. And for 150 years, the Swiss maison has been rewriting the rules of haute horlogerie with a mix of audacity and tradition. But its latest reveal, the Calibre 7138, is something else entirely. It’s not just an evolution of the perpetual calendar but a reinvention of how we interact with time itself.
At the heart of this horological breakthrough is a radical rethink of user experience. Historically, perpetual calendar watches have demanded a delicate dance with pushers, hidden correctors, and, often, a specialised tool to keep them on track. Not anymore. Audemars Piguet has consolidated all functions into a single crown — a feat of engineering that makes setting and adjusting the watch as intuitive as winding it. The complexity remains hidden beneath the surface, but the experience is seamless, effortless, and elegantly modern.
This game-changing movement debuts across six models, spanning the refined Code 11.59 and the ever-iconic Royal Oak in stainless steel, white gold, and AP’s recently introduced sand gold. For collectors seeking a piece of history, there are also three limited “anniversary” editions, each capped at 150 pieces, subtly nodding to AP’s storied past while charting a course for the future. The design details are as meticulous as the mechanics: a NASA-inspired moon phase, an updated European-style date layout, and an ultra-thin movement architecture that preserves the elegance of the case while maximising functionality.
Ergonomics meets performance in a way that’s never been seen before in a perpetual calendar. The new movement — protected by five patents — offers increased water resistance, a streamlined dial for enhanced legibility, and a self-winding system that ensures uninterrupted precision. Flip the watch over, and the view through the sapphire caseback is just as impressive: an open-worked 22-carat pink gold rotor, Geneva stripes, and polished chamfers that embody the art of fine watchmaking.
Yet, beyond its technical mastery, the Calibre 7138 represents something larger. It’s shift in how high-complication watches are designed for modern lifestyles. In an era where time is increasingly digital, AP has doubled down on the analog experience, crafting a perpetual calendar that doesn’t just keep up with life but enhances it. And for a brand that has always looked to the stars for inspiration, the future of timekeeping has never been more exciting.
