Introduction
AP Royal Oak is one of the most iconic luxury watch models in the world. It's breathtaking design and impeccable craftsmanship has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. However, what many people do not realize is that the Royal Oak's iconic look is inspired by a tree, the oak tree. And one of the most important components of the Royal Oak is the oak tree's wood-grain texture which is found in the watch's design, specifically the dial and the bracelet. The quality of the oak tree's wood-texture is dependent on the manufacturing process by which the dial and the bracelet are made. In this article, we will explore the manufacturing process of the Royal Oak, specifically the production of the oak tree-texture and compare the manufacturing process of various factories which produce the Royal Oak, to determine which factory makes the best quality Royal Oak watch.
History of the AP Royal Oak
The AP Royal Oak was introduced to the world in 1972 by Audemars Piguet. It was designed by the legendary watch designer Gerald Genta. When the Royal Oak was first introduced, it was considered to be a revolutionary watch because of its unconventional design which departed from the traditional designs of luxury watches at the time. The watch is named after the HMS Royal Oak, a British battleship, which itself was named after the oak tree in which King Charles II of England hid during the English Civil war. The oak tree represents strength, durability, and resilience, and that is what the Royal Oak watch symbolizes.
The Oak Tree-Texture
The oak tree-texture which is a hallmark of the Royal Oak watch is created by multiple manufacturing processes. The dial and the bracelet are made from stainless steel, but before the steel is refined, the texture of the dial is hand-engraved by a skilled artisan with a burin. This creates a series of lines and indentations which look like the grain of an oak tree. The steel case and bracelet are then milled to refine their shape, and the oak tree-texture is laser-etched onto the steel, creating an incredibly intricate texture. This process is done with exceptional precision, to ensure that each watch produced is of the highest quality.
Comparison of Different AP Royal Oak Factories
There are several factories which produce the AP Royal Oak. These factories are located in Switzerland, and each factory has its own unique processes for creating the oak tree-texture. The main factories which produce the Royal Oak are:
Le Brassus Manufacture
Renaud et Papi Manufacture
Vallee de Joux Manufacture
Le Brassus is the most famous of the factories which produce the Royal Oak. It's Audemars Piguet's main production facility and has been in operation since 1875. They produce the Royal Oak with the highest level of craftsmanship, and their attention to detail is legendary. Renaud et Papi is another factory which produces the Royal Oak. It's highly respected in the watchmaking world, and they are known for their innovative manufacturing techniques. Vallee de Joux is the third factory which produces the Royal Oak. They are known for their use of advanced technology in manufacturing, which allows them to produce watches with exceptional precision and accuracy.
Conclusion: Which Factory Makes the Best AP Royal Oak?
After careful consideration, we have determined that the Le Brassus Manufacture produces the best AP Royal Oak watches. Le Brassus has the most extensive experience in producing the Royal Oak, and they have the highest level of craftsmanship. Their attention to detail and precision is second to none. Renaud et Papi and Vallee de Joux are highly respected factories, and they are known for their innovative manufacturing techniques, but when it comes to the Royal Oak, LeBrassus has set the standard. Their exceptional manufacturing process and quality control yields a watch of unparalleled beauty and quality. For anyone looking to purchase an AP Royal Oak, we highly recommend the watches produced by the Le Brassus Manufacture.