IMAGINE REDESIGNING A watchmaking icon that has enjoyed two decades of unparalleled success, born from the brilliant mind of a visionary watchmaker. Now picture your creation being not only widely panned by the horological community but also labelled a “sea elephant” by the very designer you sought to honour.
It couldn’t have been much fun being Emmanuel Gueit. The Genevan designer had been tasked with tweaking Audemars Piguet’s unassailable Royal Oak for a younger, trendier audience. In 1993, Gueit delivered the Royal Oak Offshore on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its famous older sibling. The reception was divided and among his harshest critics was a bemused Gérald Genta, the man who designed the original Royal Oak. At 42mm, the thick and beefy Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 25721 was thought by naysayers to be too large (for its time) and too expensive (being double the price of the steel Royal Oak Ref. 14790).
But Steve Urquhart, then Audemars Piguet’s co-CEO, was unwavering in his belief in the Royal Oak Offshore. He felt that his German distributor, Dierk Wettengel, was on to something when the latter requested back in 1989 a new offshore yacht racing-inspired watch that would capture the spirit of the coming decade. Urquhart even registered the name ‘Offshore’ before Gueit made his first sketch.
Bu hikaye Robb Report Singapore dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Robb Report Singapore dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
THE POINTS OF TRAVEL
Peggy Roe of Marriott International shares the reasons why people travel and how the hotel chain is aligning with new trends.
Evening Spirits
An exclusive group of Robb Report Singapore readers was treated to an evening soiree where they savoured The Macallan's signature serves and journeyed through the brand's 200 years of expertise.
A Hotel For The Ages
Once the site of military machinations, espionage activities and multiple Bond films, he Old War Office in London's Whitehall has undergone a billion-pound-plus transformation o become The OWO and the landmark address of Raffles London at The OWO.
An Appetite For Exceptional The
Eat and rest well-like a Maldivian would-at Velaa Private Island.
Steeped In Chiang Mai's Culture
The newly opened InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping offers tailored experiences for an authentic journey through this mountainous city.
A Week In Scotland
With Scott Dunn Private, whisky aficionados looking for the finest drams can luxuriate in a bespoke amber haven in Scotland.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
Riding High With The Boss
Hit records, diamond-encrusted Rolexes and a car collection so vast he's lost count of what's in it-Miamibased rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross is living his dream. But it's his latest acquisition, a tricked-out Gulfstream G550, that makes the biggest statement.
For Dubai, The Time Is Now
The bustling Middle Eastern city is emerging as an important hub for serious watch collectors around the globe.
Timing Is Everything
It doesn't matter where you are on your horological appreciation journey. There is a watch made just for you at Watches and Wonders 2024.