Audemars Piguet launched three new takes on the distinctive Millenary design during Dubai Watch Week as part of its pre-SIHH releases. While the big news was the introduction of a frosted gold model in the Millenary line, two of the three Millenary models — one in white gold and one in rose gold — are outfitted with so-called Polish-finished bracelets that add to the vintage appeal.
The Millenary has existed in some shape or form since 1995, when Audemars Piguet expanded its design portfolio to include this satisfyingly ovoid wristwatch that is based on a model from the early 1950s. As you may have guessed, the watch is named after the third millennium that, at the time, was only a few years away.
What’s a Polish bracelet? It is the result of rolling up a thread around an axis in alternating directions. On a Milanese bracelet, the wires are all threaded in the same direction. Because of this increased intricacy, each Polish bracelet is individually handmade.
Like we mentioned, the big news was the introduction of the much loved Frosted Gold edition in the Millenary line. First used on the Royal Oak women’s models, AP used it on the men’s line as well earlier this year.
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The Frosted Gold finish is part of a collaboration with the jewelry designer Carolina Bucci. The eye-catching look is created through an ancient gold hammering procedure called the Florentine technique. By beating the gold with a diamond tipped pneumatic tool vibrating at 200Hz (12,000 beats/minute), it creates tiny indentations on the surface that give a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones, like diamond dust.
On this particular watch, the bezel, the inner bezel, the top of the lugs, and the case’s sides at 9 and 3 o’clock have been frosted. This timepiece also marks the first time an opal dial has been used in the Millenary collection.
In addition to the metal bracelets, the Millenary line is also enriched by a new version featuring an opal dial, introducing this fine stone for the first time on a Millenary timepiece. The watch is powered by the hand-wound Caliber 5201, a manufacture 3 Hz movement with a power reserve of 49 hours. The price of these models have not been announced yet, we will update this page once we get to know.
