12th [February 2025 Latest] Luxury Watch Current Affairs News: Innovations in Audemars Piguet's 150th Anniversary Model

Introduction: Audemars Piguet and the Perpetual Calendar

In the world of luxury watches, Audemars Piguet is an iconic presence where tradition and innovation come together. Since its founding in 1875, the company has produced numerous complicated mechanisms, among which the perpetual calendar is the core complication of the brand. In 2025, the company will celebrate its 150th anniversary, and a new perpetual calendar model will be released, drawing renewed attention from not only watch enthusiasts but also from the general public. In this article, we will introduce the history of Audemars Piguet, its innovative new movement, and the features of each model.

Topic 1: The history of Audemars Piguet and the birth of the perpetual calendar

Since its founding in 1875, Audemars Piguet has been introducing many pioneering technologies in the field of watchmaking. From the early days, the company specialized in complications, and produced many unique mechanisms until the mid-1940s. Among them, the perpetual calendar is a particularly outstanding feature. Although the company released its first wristwatch equipped with a perpetual calendar in 1955, the turning point came with the release of the movement "Cal.2120/2800" in 1978.

This model achieved an astonishingly thin movement of 3.95mm thick, a major advancement in conventional technology. In addition to the 2.45mm thick movement, it was combined with a dedicated module made by Dubois-Dépraz, and although production was limited, it achieved an innovation that will be engraved in the history of watches. The rarity of this model, with only 7,000 pieces produced over 16 years, further enhances its reputation.

This perpetual calendar has become synonymous with Audemars Piguet and has had a major influence on the later "Royal Oak" series. The technology, which combines tradition and innovation, is sure to inspire even beginners with its aesthetics, while also inspiring enthusiasts.

Topic 2: Innovative Perpetual Calendar – Introducing the New Cal.7138

The 150th anniversary model, announced on February 25, 2025, breathes new life into Audemars Piguet's perpetual calendar. The new movement, Cal. 7138, has significantly improved the conventional complicated operation and realized intuitive operation with an "all-in-one" crown. This makes it possible to adjust the date, year, day of the week, and moon phase without relying on tools or special operating methods.

This innovation is simpler and more user-friendly than the Perpetual that IWC released in 1985, and operability has been greatly improved. In addition, "Cal. 7138" boasts a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, and with a slim design housed in a 41 mm case, it has a more refined finish than the previous model.

Technically, the watch has a redesigned three-layer structure and is integrated with the movement and calendar mechanism to achieve a slim design and high water resistance. These innovations result in a comfortable fit that is also suitable for everyday use.

Topic 3: Features of each model and the appeal of limited editions

Audemars Piguet has released several models to commemorate the 150th anniversary. The main specifications and features of each model are summarized in the table below. Each model combines traditional technology with the latest innovations to achieve both design and functionality. In particular, the 150th anniversary limited edition models feature attention to detail, such as the "150" logo engraved on the back cover and the engraving "1 of 150 pieces."

Outlook: The Future of the Luxury Watch Market and AP's Challenges

With the backdrop of changes in the global economy and international situations, the luxury watch market will continue to be required to evolve further. Audemars Piguet is expected to flexibly respond to future market trends with its innovative movement technology and pursuit of usability. By combining traditional techniques with the latest materials and manufacturing techniques, it is possible that models that are thinner yet highly waterproof and durable will appear.

• Cutting-edge technology to achieve thinner and more advanced functions
• Increasing demand for premium models reflecting trends in the global economy
• Pursuit of user-friendly operability and evolution of intuitive design

With a solid perspective that is also published in economic magazines, the report analyzes market growth and risks, and attention is focused on how luxury watches rooted in tradition will pave the way to the future.

Summary: True value created by tradition and innovation

In this article, we have explained the evolution of the iconic complex mechanism known as the perpetual calendar, its innovativeness, and the appeal of each model, marking the historical milestone of Audemars Piguet's 150th anniversary.

This new release includes not only perpetual calendars, but also ambitious pieces such as the CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, which features a Harlequin Opal dial and a Tuscan Blue grain dial, and the Royal Oak Offshore, which uses ceramic. The specifications of each model and the appeal of the limited edition models also foreshadow future developments along with the overall trend of the watch market. With the upcoming announcement of new products at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025, attention will be focused on Audemars Piguet's movements.

Audemars Piguet's stance of always pursuing innovation while respecting tradition will surely be a major indicator in the luxury watch market in the future. We hope that you too will experience the true value of this combination of history and innovation and build up expectations for the future.