News
Every year, watch enthusiasts and industry insiders circle Dubai Watch Week in their calendars months in advance, eager for the chance to see what the world’s finest watchmakers have been busy perfecting. This year, the anticipation is up as Audemars Piguet returns with the House of Wonders. The exhibit celebrates 150 years of Swiss haute horlogerie and spans over 1,000 square metres in Burj Park. It’s a portal of sorts to the Vallée de Joux, where the brand’s dialogue between creativity and craftsmanship has thrived since 1875.
The experience begins with a reconstructed version of the Manufacture’s original workshops, inviting visitors into the first pages of its story. The Gallery of Time traces the evolution of the brand’s craft and philosophy, while Mechanical Secrets pulls back the curtain on the artistry that defines each movement. The Vault of Design expands the journey, focusing on the materials, forms, and aesthetic codes that have evolved within the brand over time. The Astronomical Observatory reveals how the mechanics of celestial motion inspire complication-making. The exhibit leads into the Lab, a space that hints at the future of watchmaking, before ending with the Cabinet of Curiosities, where collaborative works highlight the creative exchanges that continue to shape the Manufacture’s identity.
Dubai Watch Week, now in its seventh edition, has steadily become a meeting place for watch connoisseurs to exchange ideas and explore innovations.
In line with this spirit of curiosity, Audemars Piguet will host a panel and two masterclasses, inviting collectors and newcomers to engage directly with the mechanics and stories behind their iconic timepieces. Admission is free, with on-site registration, so there’s no reason to miss out.
The new Calibre 7138, a selfwinding perpetual calendar designed to be intuitive and prioritise user comfort, will definitely pique the interest of every visitor. “Astronomical watches have shaped Audemars Piguet’s world since 1875,” says CEO Ilaria Resta. “To celebrate 150 years of remarkable craftsmanship and innovation, our watchmakers and engineers have put the user and their experience at the forefront of their agenda to create a new perpetual calendar that is both intuitive and easy to use,” she adds.
Allowing all corrections via a single crown, Calibre 7138 blends technical complexity with ergonomic design. It makes its debut across the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet and Royal Oak collections, including models in 18-carat white, pink or sand gold as well as stainless steel. Limited to 150 pieces, three additional references feature special design codes dedicated to the 150th anniversary. Five years of development and five patents ensure this is a watch built for today, while still honouring a century-and-a-half-long legacy.
For 150 years, Audemars Piguet has been committed to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their display at Watch Week offered an opportunity to explore this enduring approach.
