Thread: L4P Review, Audemars Piguet Alinghi Team Forged Carbon

Audemars Piguet Forged Carbon Alinghi Team Limited Edition Roya Oak Offshore

The Brand: (Touched on in previous review)

The Watch:


The Alinghi Team was the first watch to be made of forged carbon fibre, other makers had make carbon watches in the past but the material was simply laid on a mold and more than likely lined with another metal for stability. the forged carbon watch took years of research and development and also took some totally new idea's and tooling to get the final desired outcome.



originally the forged carbon offshore was designed with a forged carbon caseback and other items were lightened with titanium to make the piece 66grams, pictures of this "prototype" can be found online from time to time. With some negative feedback from early wearers stating the watch felt "plastic like" and "cheap" audemars decided to change some pieces to steel and other pieces to titanium to add some weight to the watch (ending weight 100grams).



caseback in titanium with PVD coating (notice center is not coated to show off the ornate detailing of the alinghi team in action). pushers and crown in ceramic, bezel screws in PVD coated steel, and the design is "plotless" unlike every other offshore to save weight/new design. The Case is an oversizes Offshore case, both strap slots and case are much larger than usual with does not allow for exchanging of parts/straps with other offshore models. Clasp in PVD coated titanium completes the watch.



Available for $1500 from an Audemars Boutique one can purchase the "Black Asia" hornback strap which also includes Ceramic plots to fix the strap to the watch, same clasp is reused with this strap setup.. differences between the 2 straps besides materials are that the "Black Asia" strap has 6 slots whereas rubber strap has 7 slots. This is due to the fact the space between each hole in the hornback must be a little larger to ensure the tang does not "tear thru".



^^notice two different logo's (AP visited Alinghi Team one day when they were trying out a new flag/logo and they used that logo, they later learned after releasing the piece that this was not their official logo and were forced to change to the all red logo. White surround is considered an "error dial" and more sought after/rarer.... prices do not vary much now between the two logo's but in the future the white logo will be the "collectors" item moreso than the Red Logo.

Alinghi Team CARBON was sold in 1300 pieces (not including 400 VIP pieces, the Team's pieces with roman numerals, and other Prototype pieces handed out (marked with a P instead of G on case), Rose Gold sold in 600 pieces with an undisclosed amount of VIP pieces, Platinum sold in 107 pieces, undisclosed amount of VIP pieces. Precious metal pieces only have forged carbon bezel with caseback and clasp of matching precious metal.



Most would think the Alinghi Team is just a Chronograph but infact the Alinghi team is a Regatta Countdown timer with FLYBACK function. One click of top button starts the "chrono/countdown timer" the small window at 3:00 is a 10 minute countdown used for the start of the race until they reach the starting line.. upon arrival to the starting line you then press the bottom button which instantly resets the chrono to 0 and starts with with one push.. this is now a chronograph to time the race.. pressing top button pauses the chronograph to readoff the elapsed time.. one can either continue timing same event with top button or press bottom button to reset once stopped.. pressing bottom button while running will "flyback" the movement again. (all subdial's flip to 0 and instantly start with only one push of button). watch is equipped with the JLC movement with flyback module labeled the Cal 3239.



My Thoughts:
The Alinghi Team Forged Carbon is a great watch, i personally believe the precious metal pieces do not mend with the meaning of the alinghi team which was to be an ultralight and sturdy regatta flyback chronograph. The weight and case shape lend itself to being one of the most comfortable audemars piguet watches. and the chronograph function is superbly done with great feedback and the light ceramic pushers add to this with a nice firm "click". Box supplied is great design and add's to the "Sailing allure" of the watch. this watch was a steal at last msrp of $27,XXX and i would still consider it a "steal" at the $42,XXX i paid for my piece (marked up with premium from AD)

Riley..again..great review..thanks for the knowledge!

Another great Review!

Excellent review. I think it is my new favorite watch..I wonder why.

Sick review of that beauty!!!

I love that watch!


Do a review of the RB2 that is my favorite watch!

Originally Posted by WebDaemon

I love that watch!


Do a review of the RB2 that is my favorite watch!

i havent owned RB2 because i really dont care for how the pushers are pushed out so far... i do want a montoya tho... Mmmmm

Originally Posted by rijowysock

i havent owned RB2 because i really dont care for how the pushers are pushed out so far... i do want a montoya tho... Mmmmm

You know the real reason u want the RBII.

that piece makes me drooooool

how about review of your other ROO's?

that is such a sweet piece