Hands On Watch Review: Looking at this incredibly Rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Dubail” Limited Edition of 50 pieces! A watch that you have definitely not seen or heard of before...
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic and prominent timepieces, potentially the most important watch to have ever been produced due to its significance in horological history.
Watch fanatics and enthusiasts know the story behind the making of the Royal Oak and the impact the model created, sending shockwaves through the watch world when first introduced in 1972. Arguably because of this release, it revived Swiss luxury watchmaking during an era where quartz watches were on the rise in the 1970s.
The Royal Oak is Audemars Piguet’s specialty, a piece that has evolved from being considered entry level into one that is full of insane and wild complications and with that has been many limited editions which makes the Royal Oak even more special. So that builds up to the Royal Oak that we are reviewing in this article; a piece that is highly unknown and limited to the world!
This is the Royal Oak Chronograph “Maison Dubail” reference 26103SP, a limited edition of 50 pieces released worldwide by Audemars Piguet for the Dubail boutique in Paris. Specifically, this is number 24 of 50, a piece including some of Audemars Piguet’s most resonating features and parts that pay homage to the Dubail boutique.
Firstly, looking at the aesthetic of this Royal Oak “Maison Dubail” edition, Audemars Piguet have blended sport and elegance with a wearable 39mm case size, cast in stainless steel with a stunning platinum screw bezel. An underrated combination that allows the bezel to pop in the light contrasting perfectly to the stainless steel case. Due to its 39mm case size, this watch is much more wearable, potentially considered as an everyday watch. Yes, the platinum bezel adds some weight and density for the wrist, however, if you prefer knowing you are wearing a piece that allows you to walk with strength, this Royal Oak is perfect.
Looking at the dial, there is Audemars Piguet’s Grande Tapisserie pattern coloured grey with black sub-dials but standing out from the dial are the vibrant red hands which create the sporty sense. Keeping its luxury and elegant taste comes down to the fact that this piece is worn comfortably with a black leather strap.
When flipping the watch around, you are greeted to see an opened case back showcasing the admirable movement and some additional details reflecting this Royal Oak’s rarity and tribute to Maison Dubail. The main detail, which is also the most touching part about this watch, is the company’s logo engraved into the rotor produced in a black material, matching the overall aesthetic of this piece.
In general, the aesthetics of this Royal Oak “Maison Dubail” is a perfect piece that combines sport and luxury which, in essence, is what the model stands for!
Who is Maison Dubail?
The origins of Maison Dubail dates back to the 1960s, opened by Pierre Dubail and his wife in Paris, originally starting out as a jewellery studio or boutique. Before becoming an established figure in the horological world, Pierre Dubail was a successful painter having sold a lot of his art to build his business. Then, in the 80s, Pierre Dubail brought in major watchmaking names into his boutiques to expand his market and stock. A decade later, his children Patrice and Isabelle joined to expand the business and network of the company and when we look at the Maison Dubail today, it remains a family-run business whilst being a studio for jewellery and retailers of luxury watches, in fact they are an official retailer for Rolex and Tudor!
Other luxury brands have created Maison Dubail edition watches such as Franck Muller, Roger Dubuis and Piaget which are brands that the company stocks. Audemars Piguet watches are not stocked in the Maison Dubail yet they still have their own edition of a Royal Oak. Ultimately, that demonstrates how special Maison Dubail are in the watchmaking industry and how well Pierre Dubail has built up this company.
Why Buy This Royal Oak Limited Edition?
Due to this piece being extremely rare, there is very little documented on this watch with the reasons behind AP creating a Dubail edition being unknown. So, if you are an enthusiast or watch collector reading this article, this special Royal Oak would be a fantastic addition because it is a subtle flex as very few will know about this limited release from Audemars Piguet.
