Aventurine glass was created in the 17th century thanks to a chance manipulation (“all’avventura”) in a Murano glass factory when copper filings were dropped into cooling molten glass, creating a constellation of sparkling particles. Today, this glass is obtained by introducing black copper oxide and cobalt, which colours the glass in blue.
This hint of outer space is contained by the 18-carat white gold case finished with Frosted Gold on the case sides, bezel, inner bezel and lugs – a technique that Audemars Piguet owes to jewellery designer Carolina Bucci. The watch is complemented by a hand-made and hand-polished 18-carat white gold Polish mesh bracelet which adds a vintage touch, while dressing the wrist like a second skin.
The Millenary Frosted Gold Aventurine is equipped with a hand-wound Manufacture movement, calibre 5201, which perfectly integrates the elliptical case. The construction of the escapement has been reversed to match the watch’s asymmetric style. The beating heart – balance wheel, escapement and lever – usually hidden on the caseback side, is now revealed through the partially open dial.
The cross-through balance bridge, which ensures enhanced shock-resistance, is also part of the dial design with its two screws and circular Côtes de Genève, which nicely contrast with the horizontal Côtes de Genève decorating the mainplate.
Inspired by architecture and art, the Millenary has been a canvas for creativity with its elliptical case, eccentric dials and visible hand-wound movement, since it first appeared in 1995. While the collection was originally conceived for men, the first models for women made their appearance in 1998, becoming more prominent over the years. Since 2015, the collection has been exclusively designed for women presenting a variety of off-beat models. This watch of contrasts intertwining technical savoir-faire and innovative design embodies Audemars Piguet’s uncompromising spirit and time-honoured Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship.
