Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02- a Tribute to Brutalism

And what do we see here? A sculptural, assymetrical watch that feels both vintage and highly modern, fitting in a current trend. For AP it’s a modern interpretation of the 5159BA, a similar shaped (but smaller) timepiece that was produced in 1960 in only 7 pieces. It fits in a era, roughly between 1959 and 1963, when the brand produced a series of assymetrically shaped watches, all very limited. It was inspired by the Brutalist movement, with angular geometric shapes devoid of ornamentation.

Back to 2024. Bold statements in shape and looks usually come from creative independent watchmakers. The line that started in the late 1990’s with Urwerk has resulted in a niche where asymmetry, design and clean lines are used to trigger our imagination in how to present and read time. The recent launches of the Toledano & Chan B/01 and the revival of the Amida Digitrend also fit in this chapter. All watches that are clearly inspired by the 60’s and 70’s but always feel timeless.

It makes the [RE]Master02 somewhat expected if you will, as some momentum for quirky and disruptive watches can be identified. It’s great to see how Audemars Piguet dares to step into this, and reminds us they have a history in doing this.