Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has introduced a new chronograph watch – the Audemars Piguet [Re]master01 Selfwinding Chronograph 40 mm. It is the first piece to appear as part of the brand’s new line. The new collection takes its inspiration from the aesthetics of AP’s rare chronographs from the 1940s. Until 1951, every single AP watch was unique. However, the brand is not labelling the new collection as a ‘revival’ of its historic watches (as done by Zenith), but rather as a ‘remaster’. In other words, it is a fresh interpretation of its vintage pieces, combining modern technology with tradition.
The two-tone [Re]master01 is inspired by the pre-model 1533 from 1943. It showcases a 40 mm stainless-steel case with a notably slim pink-gold bezel. The olive-shaped pushers and crown are 18-carat pink gold, while the dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The gold-tone dial features Art-Deco style hour, minute and second hands made with 18-carat pink gold. Additionally, it also exhibits black transferred indices. The brand’s name appears in vintage-style capital letters. The chronograph subdial counters and tachymetre scale are blue for improved legibility. In contrast to the 1943 model, the counters lie at 3 and 9 o’clock. Moreover, the 30-minute subdial counter at 9 o’clock has kept the original’s red ‘4/5’ indication above the 15 minutes mark. This allows the wearer to record up to 45 minutes. Notably, this pays homage to a request by Jacques-Louis Audemars. The third-generation family founder was a fervent football fan and the 4/5 function informed him of when it was half-time.
The movement powering the [Re]master01 is Audemars Piguet’s new-generation self-winding calibre 4409. It features an integrated chronograph with a column wheel and flyback function. Furthermore, its frequency of 4 Hz ensures high precision. The mainspring offers a power reserve of 70 hours. Once more differing from the original, the movement is visible through the caseback. Additionally, it also exposes the 22-carat pink-gold oscillating weight. It is decorated with ‘Clous de Paris’, a traditional decoration technique introduced to Audemars Piguet in the 1950s.
Only 500 pieces of the Audemars Piguet [Re]master01 Selfwinding Chronograph 40 mm (Ref. 26595SR.OO.A032VE.01) are available. The timepiece presents itself on a light brown calf-leather strap with a stainless-steel buckle. Additionally, it is water-resistant to 20 m and costs 53,500 euros.