IN A MINUTE

Audemars Piguet goes back in time to modernise a round classic.

WHAT IT IS:

Following the introduction of the Code 11.59 range last year, Audemars Piguet (AP) has unveiled another round timepiece to remind us once again that there is much more to the 145-year-old Swiss brand than its long-standing octagonal icon, the Royal Oak. Made in a limited run of 500 pieces, the new Remaster01 takes most of its styling cues from a 1943 chronograph – the 1533 model. These vintage chronographs are rare. Just three pieces of the 1533 were produced in steel and gold (the same metals used for the Remaster01). In all, the manufacture made only 307 chronograph wristwatches between the 1930s and the 1950s.

HOW IT LOOKS:

At first sight, the Remaster01 has vintage influences. Its mid-century styling is seen in such features as its champagne dial, teardrop lugs and olive-shaped pushers, as well as Art Deco-ish font and old-school logo. Even the red 4/5 on its chronograph minute counter is a nod to the past – allowing the user to mark half-time in a football match. The feature was requested by Jacques-Louis Audemars back in the day. As part of this update, the 1533 has been upsized to 40mm from its original 36mm and equipped with the house’s automatic calibre 4409 – an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with a flyback function.

HOW IT WEARS:

If you’re one of the many male buyers, whose tastes have been shifting towards the smaller end of the size spectrum, you might be thinking that AP should have kept the 36mm diameter of the original model. Thankfully, due to its short, curved lugs and the convex profile of its steel and pink gold case, the Remaster01 wears smaller than its specifications suggest. That said, with its height of 14.6mm, it is a thick watch. However, this thickness – coupled with its rounded, handpolished case – adds to the watch’s weighty, vintage-inspired appeal.

Automatic flyback chronograph movement with 70-hour power reserve

40mm in steel and pink gold

$74,400