Sound has always played an integral part in watchmaking, from the perfect “tick-tock” to complex chiming mechanisms. And while Audemars Piguet is a master of these technical feats, it too has played its role in developing and nurturing audio of an altogether more contemporary variation. A champion of the arts, and particularly music, over the decades it has partnered with the likes of Jay-Z, Quincy Jones and Mark Ronson. Now it’s celebrating this legacy with a series of five watches just as modern as the artists that inspire it. 

The new Royal Oak Offshore models are united by their colourful dials that take inspiration from the undulating form of a music equaliser display. Other small details tap into this world further still, from the knurled texture of the studs that recall jack plugs to the crown guard that nods to the fader found on mixing controls. 

This rainbow design has been rendered in different ways, each with their own unique impact and feel. Two models in titanium, available in 37mm and 43mm diameters that are each limited to 500 pieces, pair the pattern with a blue background on the dial. They come with a matching hued rubber strap, as well as vibrant options in turquoise, yellow and green. Dialling up the contrast further still is a 43mm version in black ceramic with black dial, limited to 250 pieces. 

The collection rounds off with a pair of extra-special, white gold watches, presented in 37mm and 43mm. Here the dial’s design has been rendered in a spectacular array of gems, including rubies, peridots, tsavorites, green, blue and orange sapphires, with similar shades of the precious stones around the bezel. In a fittingly musical finishing touch, these feature the “harmony” cut, which brings out the optimal reflection and deep colour in each stone, while also making it possible to achieve an invisible setting. 

audemarspiguet.com