It’s the end of the first day of SIHH 2013 and we’ve seen an incredible number of incredible watches already –here’s a first look at one of the most phenomenal, from Audemars Piguet, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication.  It’s a true grande comp in the classic sense; while the term is used somewhat loosely today, the tradition meaning is a watch with a perpetual calendar, rattrapante chronograph, and minute repeater.  The ROO Grande Comp incorporates all three classic high complications, and is self-winding as well.

648 components, all hand-finished, each assembled by a single watchmaker.  And each one really is made by one watchmaker –not only assembly and adjustment, but all chamfering and other hand-applied finissage is done by one, and only one, watchmaker (there are a grand total of four at Audemars Piguet who have mastered all the crafts necessary to pull this off.

Drop dead beautiful.  Hope you enjoy the view as much as I did.