Something New: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked

In the early part of this year, I was completely taken by the new Rolex Land-Dweller, a watch of immense technical and brand significance. Yet, while it impressed me intellectually, it didn’t quite strike the emotional chord I hoped for. That changed in October when I came across what was meant to be part of Audemars Piguet’s ladies’ collection: the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 37mm in 18K white gold (Ref. 15467BC.OO.1256BC.01).

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked

I’ve never really been an “Audemars Piguet guy.” The overhanging design of the Royal Oak, iconic as it is, never quite suited my wrist and its usual 39–41mm dimensions didn’t help. But when AP first launched the Double Balance Wheel Openworked (Ref. 15407ST. OO.1220ST.01), I was mesmerized. The twin balance wheels, stacked and oscillating at different speeds, create a mesmerizing illusion of motion. The hand-engraved, skeletonized bridges are architectural poetry — elegant, intricate, yet contained within a bold sports-chic case. It remains, in my view, one of the most beautiful watches ever made in that genre.

Unfortunately, at 41mm, it was simply too large for me. That’s why this new 37mm version feels so special. Though marketed for women, it finally captures the perfect proportions for anyone who loves the design but prefers a more wearable size — like me. The fact that AP managed to fit the same caliber into a smaller case, without compromise, is astonishing. I wish this had arrived sooner, but honestly, better late than never.

Something Special: Fam-Al Hut Möbius Mark I “Nebula”

The most special timepiece for me right now has to be from one of the most talked-about independent watchmaking voices of 2025: Fam Al Hut. Their debut, the Möbius Mark I, has captured the industry’s attention — but this isn’t the regular version. This is the Möbius Mark I “Nebula,” created exclusively for Revolution to celebrate both our partnership under Maison de Revolution and our 20th anniversary.

Fam-Al Hut Möbius Mark I “Nebula”

I’ve spoken about this watch endlessly over the past six months, and my admiration only grew as I lived with it. The avant-garde capsule-shaped case is a revelation — sleek, ergonomic, and remarkably comfortable — while housing the most compact bi-axis tourbillon in a wristwatch today. A true gamechanger.

For our edition, the details matter. We replaced the original gunmetal baseplate with a frosted gold finish, added a gold “20” on the retrograde minutes as a nod to our anniversary, and proudly engraved “Revolution” on the 15.55mm tourbillon frame. The complication suite is as captivating as ever: a bi-axis tourbillon, retrograde jumping hours and retrograde minutes.

The engraved “Revolution” on the 15.55mm tourbillon frame (©Revolution)

As someone who champions Asian watchmaking, I’m incredibly proud of my friends Dai and Lukas, who co-founded the brand. What they’ve achieved in just a year — fully developing and manufacturing this watch in China — is extraordinary. Fam Al Hut is opening a new frontier for independent watchmaking, and the impact they’ve already made is undeniable.

Something Old: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 6611B In Pink Gold

As a vintage watch collector, my collection naturally leans toward the classics, but one of my oldest pieces remains among the most personally meaningful: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 6611B.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 6611B In Pink Gold

Arguably one of the most recognizable watches ever made, the Day-Date also holds a pivotal place in horological history. It was the first wristwatch to display both the day and date in full, setting the benchmark for countless designs that followed. The model debuted in 1956, powered by Rolex’s patented Caliber 1055, though early iterations were far from perfect. Only a year later, in 1957, Rolex refined the movement — labeling it the Caliber 1055 “B” — and introduced the Ref. 6611, the first true production Day-Date and the first to earn the title of “Superlative Chronometer.” After just two years, it paved the way for the legendary Ref. 1803 in 1959.

Among all 6611s, the yellow gold version is the most common, though total production still numbered only in the low thousands. Far rarer were examples in white gold (six known), platinum (just a handful), and pink gold, of which fewer than 25 pieces are believed to exist today. I’m fortunate enough to own one of these pink gold examples — acquired not through money, but through friendship.

The watch came from a Spanish watchmaking family I’ve known. Convincing them to part with it took time, but in the end, they refused payment. Instead, they proposed an exchange for two watches from my collection of equal value. I happily agreed.

Today, this pink gold Rolex Day-Date Ref. 6611B remains one of my most cherished companions. Beyond its rarity and historical significance, it represents my personal story of passion and shared appreciation for horology. Some watches are truly priceless.