From 2021

Aug 25, 2023,17:51 PM
 

Its a curious decision since there was an unofficial similar aftermarket iteration between 1017 ALYX 9SM and a Parisian bespoke customiser in 2021 (which sold out almost immediately) - there was then another colourful version done with Charaf Tajer of Casablanca brand launched 6 months later. 


For context, at that time, Williams pipped that:

“It was about taking part of the ALYX world and creating a watch I would like to wear, and for like-minded people, myself and my friends, people that may have not been into watches before that,”

The watch design was reported as "Williams’ spin on the sought-after 38mm channels his industrial aesthetic into luxury watchmaking. With a brushed metal finish, no time-identifier, and his signature buckle clasp, the watch comes in both yellow and rose gold."

As for Tajer's version:

"Meanwhile, Tajer’s take on the timepiece telegraphs the exuberance of Casablanca’s recent Spring/Summer 2022 into a 36mm version using a diamond-like coating (DLC) that renders the watch in a buoyant palette inspired by Japan and the Memphis Milano movement. Tajer said the watch’s playful nature revolves around “the contradiction of designing a luxury item for adults which has design elements inspired by the childhood innocence and intrigue that we all have experienced.”

The host of the launch then said:

"Watches are an heirloom piece. They’re expensive but they’re a good investment. For watchmakers, this is an exciting collaboration because it moves them out of that traditional sphere with this custom, one-of-a-kind element....Most of our watch customers aren’t first-time watch buyers but connoisseurs, they already own the classic and now they’re looking for that special piece. We needed someone who was doing it well and we wanted a partner that was an expert. Williams and Tajer are believed to be natural collaborators for the project....both cater to loyal luxury consumers who are already shopping for things at the “highest price point.”

Williams felt that fashion design and watchmaking have very different technical processes but he concurs, “In the end it’s all about creativity, taking an idea and seeing it through until it becomes tangible.” 

In case anyone is wondering, the name ALYX (pronounced “a-leeks”) is named after Matthew Williams' daughter - 1017 is a reference to Williams' birthday, 17 October and 9SM is an abbreviation of the brand's founding studio address in Saint Mark's Place, New York City. Matthew was Givenchy's creative director c.2020 and created a number of Lady Gaga's costumes.


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Comments: view entire thread 

Minimalist and stupidest co brand name on the dial ever, yeah right..

 
By: Tegis : August 24th, 2023-23:28
Iam probably out off the loop on many newish trends anyway so what do I know and its probably hard to get for most pesants like me anyway if I wanted one at mrsp.

Horrible

 
By: TeutonicCarFan : August 24th, 2023-23:48
I am not the target buyer anyways, I am sure will sell out because AP

A chronograph without numbered sub dials seems somewhat useless.

 
By: Emil Wojcik : August 24th, 2023-23:54
I'm sure I'm in the minority here but I wouldn't mind if AP abandoned all Royal Oaks except the original. They've become too much of a one-watch brand.
By: Quinto : August 25th, 2023-02:36
I completely agree, a chronograph without traces or numerals, what is it for? absurdity, utter nonsense

It's not April 1st yet, but I'll play...

 
By: mdg : August 25th, 2023-00:15
...there are 3 (maybe 4) things that I think of that make APRO iconic. 1) Octagonal bezel 2) Slotted screws in bezel 3) Textured dial 4) Bracelet design (this is 'maybe' as many are on strap). Why would a brand delete one-third of the elements that make i... 
By: Henke : August 25th, 2023-01:00
"Next, who the %$#* is 1017 ALYX 9SM" Must be one of Elon's lost children...

Not going to lie, every year I feel like selling off my APs was the right choice a few years ago

 
By: m2 : August 25th, 2023-00:16
The brand does not resonate with me at all anymore. I still have my Millenary but that might need to go too at this point.

Nobody that I've ever met is their target market...

 
By: mdg : August 25th, 2023-01:08
...it's all celebrities and 'influencers' these days. Throw in a TikTok 'star' or two and that's who they're targeting. Like the car manufacturers...limited edition of 8 cars at $2M each, already spoken for. Don't mind my rants, just a bit out of sorts to... 

I hear you, but there are some APs that I really like

 
By: vitalsigns : August 25th, 2023-01:18
…but most are from prior generations. Thanks for assuming I’m not a gangsta rapper. I’m offended. 🤪

This collab is strictly on monetary consideration for sure

 
By: S F : August 25th, 2023-02:59
And will be a sell out no doubt. When I saw the pix, thought it was some CasioOak type franken…😵‍💫

Haha, just looked up the co branding name, had no clue

 
By: dedestexhes : August 25th, 2023-06:02
And as such I need to say that they hit the nail on the head with this one 😂. Go perfectly together. You know what? To each his own. Dirk

Someone somewhere thought it was a good idea

 
By: VinnieD : August 25th, 2023-06:41
a strong flow of creativity has been unleashed, inspired by the subtle fashion from the 1017... designer And a student at a horology school is silently crying today ...  

These are hideous...

 
By: PalmSprings : August 25th, 2023-06:47
AP completely lost the plot. Turning into Hublot. I find they ruined the Royal Oak. Over done. I wish we could go back to pre-2015 watch world when all these models sold at discount and barely sold at all.

From 2021

 
By: rakis73 : August 25th, 2023-17:51
Its a curious decision since there was an unofficial similar aftermarket iteration between 1017 ALYX 9SM and a Parisian bespoke customiser in 2021 (which sold out almost immediately) - there was then another colourful version done with Charaf Tajer of Cas... 

Not pretty

 
By: Eikþyrnir : August 30th, 2023-18:31
I don’t mind the minimalistic dial but the chronograph function is just absurd. I really like that the Royal Oak is in 41mm with dual tones, wish they could do that for regular models at 41mm. The best looking of these must be the Beast, at least to me. I...