Audemars Piguet launches a new vintage-inspired watch, the [RE]Master02 Selfwinding
It is a modern reinterpretation of Model 5159BA, an Audemars Piguet reference from 1960. It is a limited edition of 250 pieces.
“A Tribute to Brutalism.”
Audemars Piguet recently launched the [RE]Master02 Selfwinding, a modern reinterpretation of a “Brutalist-inspired” timepiece created in 1960, the Model 5159BA, of which only seven pieces were made.
Image: The Model 5159BA on which the [RE]Master02 Selfwinding is based.
According to online sources, Brutalist architecture or Brutalism developed in the UK during the 1950s, “among the reconstruction projects of the post-war era.” Buildings designed in the Brutalist style are defined “by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements over decorative design.”
The new [RE]Master02 Selfwinding pays tribute to this style of architecture just as its predecessor, the Model 5159BA did when it was launched in 1960. The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding is the second timepiece in Audemars Piguet’s [RE]Master collection. The first, [RE]Master01 launched in 2020, was a reinterpretation of a rare Audemars Piguet chronograph from 1943.
“Between 1959 and 1963, Audemars Piguet created more than 30 asymmetrical models, most of which were produced in less than 10 pieces. [RE]Master02 is a fantastic opportunity to revive this forgotten golden age.” Sébastian Vivas, Heritage and Museum Director, Audemars Piguet.
Images are of the new [RE]Master02 Selfwinding.
Key Features
Functions
The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding’s functions include:
– Hours and Minutes.
Dial
The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding’s dial features include:
– It has a “parted blue dial” featuring a unique parallel brush finish.
– Its hour and minute hands are made from sand gold.
– Apart from “AUDEMARS PIGUET” displayed prominently centre right of dial, and “Swiss Made” displayed discreetly at 6 o’clock, there is no text and numerals on the dial.
“[RE]Master02 is enriched by a “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial that combines different geometries. It is subdivided into twelve individually machined brass triangles that have been decorated with a linear satin finish before being placed on a brass plate with minuscule feet. The triangles are separated by sand gold partitions that facilitate the reading of time.”
Case and Strap
The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding’s case and strap features include:
– Its asymmetrical case is made from sand gold, “a new 18-carat gold allow whose hue varies between white and pink gold depending on the light and the movement of the wrist.”
– Its case diameter is 41 mm.
– Its thickness is 9.7 mm.
– On both its dial and caseback side, it features a glareproofed sapphire crystal.
– It is water resistant up to 30 metres.
– It comes with a blue colour alligator leather strap, which contrasts with the blue dial, and a pin buckle made from 18-carat sand gold.
Sand gold was first used on Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, a model launched in early 2024. “This new material, which takes its name from sand dunes, is composed of gold, copper and palladium for a warm appearance.”
Movement
The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding’s movement features include:
– It is powered by the mechanical extra-thin self-winding Calibre 7129. It is based on Audemars Piguet’s Calibre 7121. Calibre 7129 is essentially Calibre 7121 without the date indication.
– It powers the hours and minutes.
– Its diameter is 29.6 mm.
– Its thickness is 2.8 mm.
– It comprises of 211 parts.
– It has 31 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph or 4 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 52 hours.
Our Thoughts
Founded in Le Brassus, Switzerland in 1875, Audemars Piguet sits at the topmost echelon of horology. They are among a handful of independently owned Swiss timepiece brands. Together with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, it is part of the Holy Trinity. When one thinks of modern Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections come to mind. As such, the [RE]Master collection is a welcome and refreshing addition to the Audemars Piguet family. Few brands can boast their heritage and back catalogue. [RE]Master is like Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques collection, where they select a vintage model from their past and reinterpret it as a modern timepiece.
The [RE]Master02 Selfwinding is a bold timepiece. It is a study in details, both horological and geometric, whether it is its dial, case, dial side sapphire crystal, materials used, and movement. It is crafted from a new alloy – sand gold – and powered by a top-notch automatic movement, among the best in the industry. As a limited edition of 250 pieces, it is destined to be a future collectible, one whose design and details will delight its owner, both today and decades from now.
I hope the [RE]Master collection keeps delighting us with Audemars Piguet timepieces from their past.
Additional Details
Name: Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 Selfwinding
Reference: 15240SG.OO.A347CR.01
Limited edition of 250 pieces.
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 41,100 (This is a recommended retail price in Switzerland. VAT included)
Please contact Audemars Piguet if interested.
One of the seven Model 5159BA, the vintage reference the [RE]Master02 Selfwinding is based on, is on display at Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet, the brand’s own museum in Le Brassus, Switzerland. Images below.
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