Author: TrueFacet

TrueFacet is an online marketplace for pre-owned fine jewelry and watches. Every item sold is verified by our in-house team of gemologists and watch experts to ensure its authenticity.

Beginning of a Brand: Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet watches have become a status symbol with distinguished designs that are as luxurious as they are exceptionally crafted. Such a reputation must be shaped as carefully as their timepieces and the watchmaker has done so since 1875. To this day, Audemars Piguet is one of the greatest watchmakers in history and one of the oldest family-owned watch businesses.

The roots of AP stretch all the way back to 1874 in the Vallee de Joux, Switzerland. In 1874, Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet first met and just a year later, in 1875, began their careers in the watchmaking business. Their individual skills and expertise allowed for the perfect business partnership. Audemars would produce the parts needed for the timepieces and Piguet, a master watchmaker, would complete the final inspection for quality control. In 1881, Audemars Piguet was officially founded.

In 1891, AP had manufactured one of their “firsts.” At the time, it was the world’s smallest repeater movement at 18mm. Then in 1892, the watchmakers produced the world’s first minute repeater, solidifying their place in watchmaking history. In 1899, AP released their first “Grande Complication,” a pocket watch that featured a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, chronograph and more advanced features.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Audemars Piguet began manufacturing watches that would be branded under companies like Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. During this time, AP created the world’s thinnest movement as well as the first jumping hour movement. In 1934, Audemars Piguet began manufacturing wristwatches with skeletonized cases, a trend that is popular again today.

One of Audemars Piguet’s most remarkable achievements was the introduction of their brand icon. It’s impossible for a watch enthusiast to think of AP without immediately thinking of the Royal Oak. This timepiece was introduced nearly 100 years after Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet met, but the piece has become the brand’s most prominent and popular timepiece and status symbol.

The Royal Oak was introduced in 1972 under unusual circumstances. AP was to be present at the Basel watch fair in Switzerland, which is now known as Baselworld. The evening before the fair, the managing director of Audemars Piguet told the AP watch designer, Gerald Genta that he must design a remarkable steel watch. Genta would design the Royal Oak in less than 24 hours unknowingly designing one of the world’s most distinctive and coveted timepieces.

During a time when timepieces were thin, round and cast in gold, the Royal Oak was a revolutionary watch design. The Royal Oak was also the first sports watch in steel and at 39mm, was massive compared to the industry averages of the time. The design was inspired by a ship named HMS Royal Oak in the British Royal Navy.

Though the watch was hard to sell after its initial release, AP eventually found success. With several variations on the timeless classic, the watchmaker eventually released the Royal Oak Offshore in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The Offshore has become the most popular and best-selling Audemars Piguet timepiece.

Designer Icon: The History of the Logo

Even the most notable fashion brands have dipped in jewelry and watches and some more than others. Louis Vuitton and Gucci have extensive fine jewelry collections and Dolce & Gabbana and Versace have trendy watch collections. As some of the most renowned brands in the world, their logos are instantly recognized. However, there’s more than meets the eye. Check out the story behind these five famous logos.

1. Louis Vuitton

It’s impossible to walk through a moderately-sized city without seeing the LV monogram emblazoned all over luxury bags and accessories. Ironically, what started as an attempt to thwart counterfeits has now become ubiquitous among fakes. It’s estimated that just 1 percent of all LV monogram covered items are actually authentic.

In 1896, Louis Vuitton was feeling the affects of counterfeits and developed the LV monogram to prevent the copycats from imitating his designs. The monogram consists of a floral and quatrefoil motif combined with the LV logo. The floral pattern was inspired by Japanese art, a popular choice during the 19th century.

2. Dolce & Gabbana

The Dolce & Gabbana is a logo icon — an example of the power of simplicity. D&G was only founded in 1985, though you would assume with such a reputation, the brand has been around much longer. Through effective branding, including choice of logo, the fashion brand has created worldwide fame and recognition.

When the brand was taking hold in the early ’90s, the minimalost logo was representative of a modern luxury brand, appealing to the young and fashion-forward. The sleek and simple logo expressed the desire for modernity and sophistication and departure from the traditional and stagnate established brands.

3. Gucci

You’ve seen it everywhere and on anything — the famed GG logo. The interlocking logo was inspired by, unsurprisingly, Guccio Gucci’s initials. More surprising, the logo wasn’t used until after the founder’s death in 1953.

The logo first appeared in 1964 starting with belt buckles and other small accessories. Next, the logo expanded to luggage to handbags and everything else. If you see this logo embossed or as hardware on item, then you should know how to spot the real thing. The left G will appear as a typical G, but the right G will be upside down and backward.

4. Versace

The iconic head of Medusa logo is one of the more elaborate and ornate logos compared to the simplistic and modern logos of current brands. This particular choice in iconography stems from founder Gianni Versace’s love of classical Greek mythology, especially the story of Medusa. Versace was raised in a region of souther Italy that is largely influenced by Greek heritage.

Versace’s Medusa represents striking beauty, amazement and power — something he felt was representative of his artistic vision and the designs he presented. The Medusa head is surrounded by Greek keys, another influential motif in Versace designs.

Photo Credit: logodatabases.com / dippleconway.co.uk / logok.org / master-logo.blogspot.com

5 Creative Watch Complications

Some complications are useful and some are just for the novelty. Horologists have tested their imagination and their watchmaking prowess to bring creative complications to the wrists of the world. Here are five of our favorites that will leave you entertained.

1. Christophe Claret Casino Watch

Christophe Claret is a master watchmaker who specializes in ultra complicated movements. Claret has worked with the likes of Roget Dubois, Harry Winston and Piaget before starting his own watch company and separate watch manufacturing company. At Baselworld in 2010, Claret showed off the first and only watch to feature black jack, roulette and dice.

This creative timepiece houses its own original blackjack movement. The game is controlled by the pushers and the watch is the dealer. The roulette game is found on the back of the case, connected to the rotor. There’s even an emerald for your lucky number that can be adjusted to your choice. Finally, the dice game is found on the side of the watch. There’s a small chamber for even smaller dice — all you have to do is shake your watch.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels Planetarium

This stunning piece houses a mini solar system right on your wrist. The mechanical and artistic intricacies are abundantly clear with the Van Cleef & Arpels Planetarium. The watch features six of our solar system’s planets rotating around the sun true to reality.

The planets complete rotations according to how long it takes the planets to revolve around the sun. Mercury completes a rotation in 88 days, Venus in 224, Saturn in 29.5 years, and the Earth in, of course, one year. The watch consists of 396 pieces, working together in perfect harmony to bring you a unique vision of the solar system. The watch sells for $245K.

3. Greubel Forsey GMT 3D titanium Globe

World time complications, though inherently spectacular, are a dime a dozen. Greubel Forsey had a greater vision than a rotating bezel. With their GMT 3D Titanium Globe, the watchmakers brought a new dimension to world time, quite literally.

The globe in question is a titanium dome that features the northern hemisphere. The globe rotates throughout the day, one full revolution, and displays the time on a disc around the globe along with a day-night indicator for a true world time experience. On the back of the watch, theres a disc with world cities and time so you can get the most of the timepiece. This watch can be yours for $595K.

4. Urwerk UR-1001 Zeit Device

Though this one is actually a pocket watch, you can also get the strapped version to wear on your wrist. This massive pocket watch has a look like no other as well as a unique and impressive lifespan. The watch in questions tracks time from the second all the way to a millennia. If you plan on sticking around that long, or if you enjoy the novelty, then this timepiece is for you.

The device is massive and industrial looking and it’s sure to turn heads even if it’s merely propped at your desk. We are especially fond of the quirky service indicator on the dial. It’s meant to appear as an ‘oil change.’ The pocket watch is massive at 62mm wide and 106mm long, but for those adventerous in life or style, Urwerk released the UR-1001 Titan that comes with an arm strap.

5. Richard Mille Mechanical Fountain Pen

We’ve mentioned this Richard Mille, one-of-a-kind mechanical fountain pen before, but we enjoy the creative application of watch mechanics. There’s no actual timekeeping function to this piece, but it is an inventive complication. The piece, with a the push of a button, triggers the nib of the fountain pen to fully extend.

The movement is fully visible through the top of the pen, which uses a crystal sapphire window to display the mechanics. The barrel and cap are made of NTPT carbon for a decidedly industrial-yet-artistic look. The nib is made of 18K white gold to remind you that this is no ordinary fountain pen. If this is something you would like to add to your collection, then it can be yours for the price of $105,000.

Photo Credit: worldtempus.com / designontheedge.com / vancleefarpels.com / uniquewatchguide.com / mashable.com / salonqp.com

Oscars Round-Up: The Best Red Carpet Jewelry

The 88th Academy Awards have come and gone and left us with a long list of new movies to watch and even more jewelry to obsess over. It’s the night your favorite celebrities put their best-dressed foot forward and we couldn’t be any happier with the turnout. Here’s a list of our 7 favorite bejeweled looks from the red carpet.

1. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron’s look totaled in to $3.7 million worth of Harry Winston diamond jewelry. The focal point of this look was the secret cluster necklace which featured 48.8 carats of diamonds. She paired this stunner with cluster diamond earrings weighing 15.49 carats.

2. Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts stunned in this elaborate, Bulgari diamond collar necklace featuring a leaf motif. She paired her necklace with diamond Bulgari earrings, ring and Serpenti clutch.

3. Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde took on the choker trend with her gorgeous Oscars look. The Neil Lane choker certainly had an Edwardian vibe and looked perfect with Wilde’s pearl earrings.

4. Cate Blanchett

Cate Blachett’s glittering earrings are straight from the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection. The earrings featured round and marquise diamonds set in platinum. She paired the earrings with a glimmering, Tiffany diamond starfish cuff bracelet.

5. Tina Fey

Tina Fey dazzled in her bold, purple Versace gown. The actress usually stays away from the statement jewelry, but went for a glamorous Bulgari diamond and sapphire necklace to finish her look. Though, she did keep the earrings simple with diamond studs.

6. Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington’s dress was definitely a modern look, but her jewelry was a throwback to 1963. The diamond hoops are vintage Harry Winston earrings featuring 42 carats of diamonds set in platinum.

7. Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley was chic in Chanel — Coco would be proud. The actress wore a Chanel Haute Couture gown with a Chanel clutch. Our favorite part of the look: the bracelet, earrings and ring from the Chanel fine jewelry collection.

Photo Credit: abcnews.com / forbes.com / etonline.com / usmagazine.com / oscar.go.com / nytimes.com

4 Watches for the Leap Year

Though it only happens once every four years, some watchmakers with an obsession for precision have accounted for leap years in their timepieces. Here are four watches that won’t need to be reset on Feb. 29.

1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Odysseus Perpetual Calendar

If you were to strap on this watch right now, it wouldn’t need to be adjusted until 2100 — now that’s planning ahead. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Odysseus watch is a vintage piece with a classic and modern appeal for an everyday dress watch. This watch has it all — perpetual calendar, day, date, month, year and moonphase. It also features an 24-hour indicator that tells you when it’s unsafe to make adjustments (between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.).

Though the watch doesn’t have a leap year indicator, it will survive the extra day every four years until 2100 without adjustments. For a watch with so many moving parts, it’s a sigh of relief every leap year. The watch is also automatic, meaning it winds as you wear it, so you won’t even need to worry about that.

2. Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5159G

This release from Patek Philippe has a vintage feel with a modern edge. The case feels vintage, the size and finish says modern. However, what impresses us is always the complications. Patek Philippe’s finest examples in watchmaking are reserved for their Grand Complications collection, where Ref. 5159G is included.

The watch features a mechanical self-winding movement, perpetual calendar, retrograde date hand, day, month, leap year, moonphase and sweeping seconds hand. The watch is so accurate, moonphase included, that it doesn’t need to be adjusted for 122 years and 45 days. And even when that day finally comes, the watch only needs to be adjusted by one day.

3. Audemars Piguet Jules

Introduced at SIHH 2010, the Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar is a lot different than what you would expect from Audemars Piguet today. The watch was originally introduced in 2008 in celebration of the 30 year anniversary of AP’s first ultra thin movement. With 355 total parts, this movement is only 4mm high with a diameter of 28.4mm.

The watch features much the same as the others, including perpetual calendar, day, date, leap year and moonphase. Like the JLC Odysseus, this watch doesn’t need to be adjusted until March 1, 2100, giving you plenty of time to prepare for your next big adjustment. What stands out about this watch most is what doesn’t. After the rise of the Royal Oak, we expect oversized and conspicuous watches. However, with the Jules, Audemars Piguet reminds everyone of their watchmaking tradition.

4. Franck Muller Casablanca Ref. 5850 QP

Franck Muller, only founded in 1991, likes to combine traditional watchmaking with modern aesthetics. The brand is known for its tonneau-shaped case and unique designs. However, what’s most impressive is the skill and expertise of Franck Muller himself. Muller graduated from the Watchmaking School of Geneva in the ’80s, then went to work repairing watches and handling fine watches.

In 1984, Muller designed his own tourbillon wristwatch. This was exceedingly impressive, as during this time, only master watchmakers at brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin were capable of creating this kind of timepiece. In 1991, Muller founded his own watch company specializing in complicated wristwatches. The Casablanca Perpetual Calendar is just one examples of the brand’s expert watchmaking. This watch features day, date, month, a 24 hour indicator, moonphase And leap year indicator.

Photo Credit: hautetime.com

6 Incredibly Rare Timepieces

Watch collecting is not a cheap hobby. The elaborate complications and precious metal finishes make for expensive watches in general.

But what truly sends the cost into the six and sometimes seven-figure range is its rarity. Vintage models that have long been discontinued or virtually lost to time carry the heftiest price tags.

Here are six of the rarest watches in the world—and what they cost.

1. Breitling Ref. 817 CP-1 E.I Esercito Italiano

This Breitling was designed for Italian army helicopter pilots and members of the elite police force the Battaglione Paracdutisti Carabineri Tuscania in the mid-1970s—one of the two occasions in which Breitling supplied watches to the military. Because the Breitling Ref. 817 was never commercially released, it is an incredibly rare find and coveted by the most devoted collections. Not quite one of a kind but pretty close: of the 1,000 initially produced, only 31 Breitling Ref. 817s have surfaced at auction.

2. Rolex Zerographe Ref. 3346

This watch is absolutely shrouded in mystery—and not just by brand fans, but by Rolex themselves. There is no key brand literature about the watch’s origins, its historical context, or even how many units were produced.

When Christies was preparing to auction a Rolex Zerographe in 2013, they launched a deep investigation into the watch. Unfortunately their research turned up scant conclusions. They believe it was manufactured in 1937, was the first Rolex to feature an in-house chronograph and a rotating bezel and, of the estimated 12 units produced, only four have been found. But the mystique of the Rolex Zerographe has fascinated collectors and the watch ultimately sold for $406,542 USD.

3. Patek Philippe Ref. 1527

First produced in 1943, the Patek Philippe Ref. 1527’s design was considered ten years ahead of its time. Outfitted in 18K gold and encrusted with 23 gemstones, the watch was Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch with an enamel dial and, at 37.6mm, was significantly larger than its contemporaries.

When the watch first appeared in the market, it did not have a model number which made it incredibly difficult to classify. Only after a thorough review by scholars and archivist did the reference number 1527 come to light. It is believed that there are only two of these watches in the world, one of which is on permanent exhibition at the Patek Philippe Museum. The other fetched $5.7 million at auction in 2010.

4. Rolex Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 4113

In 1942, a mere 12 Rolex Split-Seconds Chronographs were produced and only eight are known to have survived the decades since.

But this watch is rare not only for its incredibly limited production run but also for its distinguished design and technical feats. The Rolex Split-Seconds is 44 mm in diameter, outranking all other Rolex chronographs. Its case features a bezel designed as thin as technically possible which impressively makes the dial nearly as large as the case itself. And it is the only split-second chronograph wristwatch ever produced by Rolex.

At a Christie’s auction in 2011, this Rolex also set the auction record as the most expensive Rolex with a winning bid of nearly $2.5 million USD.

5. Patek Philippe Ref. 2585

This unassuming looking watch is the only known Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2585 with an automatic caliber, making it the rarest self-winding watch in the world. (Although it is speculated that three of these watches were made, this is the only one to ever surface.)

The Ref. 2585 features Patek Philippe’s recognized Gyromax balance and its engine-turned rotor is made of solid 18K gold. This essentially one of a kind watch sold at a Geneva auction in 2015 for $787,000.

6. Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

Any Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 is a rarity in its own right. Since their inaugural release in 1951, it is estimated only that 350 were ever made, the majority of which had a yellow gold case. That said, this particular Ref. 2499, with its platinum case, is a singular find unto itself and considered by most collectors to be the most perfect Patek Philippe watch.

Although Patek Philippe has not officially confirmed it, sources believe there were only two of these platinum-cased Ref. 2499 ever produced in 1987. The watch however was not available until 1989 when Patek Philippe celebrated its 150th anniversary. Impressively enough, this watch has changed hands over the years but was most recently put up for auction by musician and known watch collector Eric Clapton in 2012 where it sold for $3.6 million USD.

Photo Credit: hodinkee.com / vintage-breitling.com / monochrome-watches.com / ablogtowatch.com / phillipswatches.com / christies.com / blog.perpetuelle.com

New York Fashion Week Trend Round-Up

New York Fashion Week has come and gone, and we are left with so many new trends to try. The runway, highlighting future fall collections gives us inspiration and time to plan while the street style showed us the latest and hottest trends. Check out the highlights from the most fashionable week of the season.

1. All Natural

This trend appeared last season, but we saw it really find its way at NYFW. Nature-inspired looks were everywhere from the leaf motifs at to mineral jewelry. We saw rough and crystalline-looking earrings at Proenza Schouler. Agate-inspired earrings shapes were worn at the Oscar de la Renta show. Although not technically a jewelry piece, at Calvin Klein we saw agate accents on several of his outfits. This CK trend can be easily achieved through an agate pendant necklace. Leaves, minerals and flowers were about at NYFW, perfect for the spring season.

2. Charming Chokers

While chokers have been experiencing a revival period for the past three fashion seasons, this Feb. we saw some development of the trend. Designers added a bit of embellishment and flair to the pieces to take the accessory to the level of a unique, statement piece. Tommy Hilfiger added embroidered details while Oscar de la Renta chose the chain links to take his pieces up a notch. Ralph Laurent opted to add some color with red gems. Finally, Calvin Klein added a silver heart pendant.

3. Colorful Gemstones

The colorful gemstone jewelry was impossible to miss and a lot had a decidedly baroque feel to the look. The pieces were large over the top and came in an array of colors just in time for spring. Ralph Lauren and Marchesa did not hold back on the jewelry, and most pieces were heavy on the gemstones. Ralph Lauren used large and colorful hues of blue, pink, purple, red and green. Marchesa used far more neutral shades, but did feature greens and blues for color. Finally, Oscar de la Renta made his statement earrings match the bright tones of dress for a cheery monochrome look.

4. Dainty Details

At Rag and Bone and Tommy Hilfiger, patterns and textures were front and center, but that didn’t mean that accessories would be forgotten. At Rag and Bone, simple pearl details complimented monochrome patterns and dark looks. At Tommy Hilfiger models wore dainty drop earrings and beaded brooches with flowing dresses and structured stripes.

5. Double Time

In the past, the accessory battle was statement earrings versus statement necklaces, but this season we sense a draw. At Tommy Hilfiger we saw the choker combined with pearl drop earrings. At Opening Ceremony we saw the futuristic styles of their collar necklaces and drop earrings paired together. At Marchesa, we saw the opulent gemstone statement necklaces and earrings. Finally at Zimmerman, we saw monochrome collar and chain necklaces layered and paired with oversized hoop earrings.

Photo Credit: yahoo.com / vogue.com

5 Simple NYFW Street Style Accessory Trends

New York Fashion Week began last Thursday, and although the runways are showing off the trends for fall and winter 2016-17, that doesn’t mean we can’t get a taste of what’s trending now. We looked to the streets to see what the fashionable show-goers were wearing. Check out our 5 favorite and simple street style accessory trends.

1. Drop Earrings

Last year was all about the statement earrings and it seems 2016 has a similar forecast with a twist. The statement of choice at NYFW was the playful drop earring. We loved the look of the long chain ending with a memorable bauble. This is an easy look to replicate and is perfect for any occassion.

2. Big Rings

Layering has moved on from the neck to the knuckles in a big way. Fun and funky rings or colorful cocktail rings are the best way to achieve the look. In 2016, unless you are married, stay away from a single ring. This simple look can take your outfit to the next level under any conditions.

3. Hoop Earrings

Usually fashion revivals are of the vintage variety. This year, the hoop has been revitalized with fun exaggerations. You can make this look your own by choosing a hoop that suits you. Whether it’s outrageously oversized, a play on the drop earring or anything else, this is an easy style to have fun with.

4. Pendant Necklace

The pendant necklace is one of the easiest street style trends to incorporate into your daily wardrobe. The simple look can be as easy as one single pendant, or layering different lengths and sized pendants. This trend is perfect for the person who is knew to jewelry or accessorizing or someone with a casual style.

5. Watch Me

Finally, when all other accessories fail, the watch remains. This year, we saw so many people ditch the jewelry and finish their look with a simple time piece. If a look was already busy with colors and patterns and non-jewelry accessories, then a watch was worn for a simple addition. If you aren’t a jewelry fan, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your accessories. Just add your favorite timepiece!

Photo Credit: vogue.com / refinery29.com / harpersbazaar.com