Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Audemars Piguet, Glashütte Original & Tudor

Few watches can claim to have made an impact like the Royal Oak. The story of its origins have been well documented, but the key take-away is that this model line’s popularity is based on its design.  The distinctive angular case and integrated bracelet are mesmerising, with razor-sharp polished bevels reflecting light in all directions. However, with so much focus on aesthetics, have we forgotten to pay attention to what's ticking on the inside? With this Double Balance Wheel Openworked, Audemars Piguet is here to remind us that it knows a thing or two about crafting movements. 

The truth is, AP has a proud history in chronometrie and the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked represents the brand’s latest endeavor in advancing timekeeping precision. With its intricate openworked design, it introduces innovative dual balance wheels (a world first) to enhance accuracy. Essentially, these are set against each other and not only provide a greater mass but also supply self-regulation. 

This particular rose gold reference is not the first openworked Royal Oak. In fact, it’s not even the first double balance wheel Royal Oak. However, with smaller 37mm dimensions, it offers all of this impressive movement architecture in a more wrist friendly package.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £HK$650,500

What do you buy if you’re a dive watch enthusiast looking for something out of the ordinary? While Rolex and Omega rule the deep, there are some really interesting offerings from other manufacturers including this Glashütte Original SeaQ Panorama Date.

Glashütte Original is among the most underrated brands in the world. Based in the proud watchmaking town carrying the same name, this German watchmaker has a long history crafting top quality watches. While not typically known for its dedicated divers, the SeaQ line draws inspiration from the brand's history, notably the 1969 "Spezimatic Type RP TS 200," developed for recreational diving. 

This reference introduces a touch of luxury to its utilitarian underpinnings, with rose gold elements on the bezel and crown. The sunburst dial also incorporates a ‘Panorama Date’, an oversize aperture which has become a signature of the brand.  With plenty of vintage-inspired charm coupled with Glashütte Original’s lauded build quality, this is a great option for anyone looking to take a dip in the ocean this summer.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for HK$41,250

Speaking of dive watches, Tudor has launched an impressive array of options since the brand was resurrected in 2012. The Black Bay and the Pelagos have formed the foundation of the line up, with both models offering high quality dive watch credentials at approachable price points. While the Black Bay has leaned hard into the brand’s past, taking cues from vintage Tudor Submariners, the Pelagos feels like a more modern offering, and one that represents the Tudor of today. 

In 2021, a new variant named the ‘FXD’ was added to the stable. This no-nonsense dive watch was developed with France's Marine Nationale and brings some genuine field-use credibility to the line. Tudor worked closely with this sea-faring arm of the French military, incorporating specific design elements like a bi-direcitonal countdown bezel and, as the model name suggests, fixed spring bars. This is a feature rarely seen in contemporary watchmaking and gives the Pelagos FXD an undeniably rugged feel. For a company with the tagline ‘born to dare’, this watch feels like it lives up to the motto.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for HK$17,250