Discover Audemars Piguet's Stunning Return to Pocket Watches with The '150th Heritage'

Audemars Piguet, a luxury watchmaker known for its intricate designs, has made a surprising but satisfying return to its roots with the launch of the ‘150th Heritage’ pocket watch. This sublime piece, marking the brand’s first foray into pocket watches since 2011, is an extraordinary creation. The brainchild of a fruitful conversation between AP’s CEO Ilaria Resta and skilled watchmaker Giulio Papi, this watch is far from traditional. The mechanics were formed in a record 20 months since its ideation in 2023. Two models have been released, crafted from platinum and accompanied by eight forthcoming versions in 18k white gold. Sourced from AP’s groundbreaking RD#4 wristwatch, which flaunted 23 complications, the ‘150th Heritage’ pocket watch displays similar virtues but reshaped to fit pocket watch conventions. With an extra eight complications added to the hinged caseback, its caliber boasts 22 complications. The design became the watch industry’s third pillar property, continuing the lineage dating back to 1899 of ‘Universelle’, designed for Union Glashütte and ‘Grosse Pièce’ in 1921 for Smith & Sons. This dazzling creation, whose complexity may establish it as the most complicated watch ever by the brand, features 22 of the 23 complications from RD#4 ‘Universelle’. The added complications are ingeniously stashed within the hinged caseback cover. Giulio Papi has stated the watch’s complexity was not the primary goal; instead, the focus lay on ergonomics and utility. So, while AP lists 30 complications for the watch, there’s a conscious effort to prioritize function and wearability over record-setting. This beautiful timepiece redefines heritage, marking an ambitious and distinguished milestone in Audemars Piguet’s timeline.