When asked about Audemars Piguet (AP) timepieces, most people would likely talk about the Royal Oak line. That’s not a bad thing. The Royal Oak is almost as iconic as AP itself and instantly recognized by anyone who appreciates the exquisite nature of a finely-crafted watch. For those who desire stepping a bit off the trodden path, the AP Millenary Series offers the very best workmanship in a uniquely elegant style.

“Revealing the Beating Heart of the Watch”

That’s the headline that AP uses on their website and it speaks to the open design of the Millenary. It’s fascinating to see some of the inner workings of the watch as it precisely denotes the passing of time. The balance wheel going about its business, literally going through the motions of timekeeping, demands attention. Seeing the hand-crafted interior of what is truly a work of art helps every Millenary set a new standard and the 4101 might just be the ultimate expression of that level of excellence. Introduced at the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) watch show in 2011, it has quickly come to define the intricate interface between man and timepiece.

The oval shape of the watches in the series isn’t perceived right away. Like a subtle note in a musical masterpiece, it demands a second take. What the shape does is widen the window for what becomes a three-dimensional look inside the watch that is unparalleled. The aesthetic appeal that comes with being able to appreciate elements of the watch that might otherwise be concealed is captivating. It’s more than just different - it’s exceptional. The Millenary is at once striking and slightly understated. It says the person wearing it wants more than just to know what time it is.

For Fans of the Nuances of Time

Much has been written and said about time since our ancestors first tried to grasp the concept. Few understand the finer points of what time actually is. Is it just an abstraction, constructed to mark the movements of one little planet in a massive universe, or is it the ultimate measuring stick for all aspects of our lives? The AP Millenary is for people who understand it is both. Time is more than something just passing us by. It is the marker for everything that is important. Our grandest achievements, our most bitter disappointments, our loves, our hopes and our fears are all footnotes in the grand procession that is time. Seeing the mechanical inner workings of a timepiece that is the expression of generations of skilled craftsmen gives us a deeper understanding of the nature of time.

Celebrities Who Love the Millenary

The craftsmanship of the Millenary is the favorite timepiece of many discerning celebrities. For a third year in a row, AP sponsored the Green Room at the 2013 Tony Awards. The company graciously provided the Audemars Piguet Tony Awards Clock for charity auction and invited celebrities to sign it.

Many were happy to help, including actor Matthew Morrison, who was seen wearing the Millenary 4101 timepiece at the ceremony (see image below).

Another charity function AP has taken to heart centers around the offering of a unique watch. Singer-songwriter John Legend has a special edition bearing his name, the John Legend Millenary Pianoforte. Its auction benefits The Show Me Campaign charity, whose mission is to fight poverty worldwide. While 500 of these watches were made for worldwide sale, only one bears John's signature, and that one was auctioned to the highest bidder in 2009. All these special edition watches available for purchase are musically-themed with piano keys on the case.

While the Royal Oak is still the most common AP luxury watch seen on celebs, some are moving to the exclusive oval design of the Millenary; e.g., NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who wears a Carbon One.

Whatever version of the Millenary is favored, it is a watch for those who want to stand out as true aficionados of both the meaning and purpose of time. Take a moment to explore this incredible timepiece and see just how the look of refined craft combined with unique style can work for you.

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