Millenary Quincy Jones

In tribute to this exceptional artist, Audemars Piguet reinvents the identity codes of its contemporary Millenary line. The famous oval case, the distinctive feature of this collection, appears clothed in blackened steel. Matt zones, such as on the case middle, alternate with brilliant-polished finishing lending an inimitable shimmer to the bezel and the upper surfaces of the lugs. The ultra-complex construction of this case is highlighted by a combination of vertical and horizontal satin-brushed finishes. The polished case-back carries Quincy Jones’ signature as well as the inscription “Millenary Quincy Jones – Limited Edition”, serving as a reminder that only 500 of these prestigious timepieces are to be produced. The watch is teamed with a black leather strap fitted with an AP folding clasp – naturally also in blackened steel. 

The dial features the off-centred hour zone that connoisseurs will recognise as one of the distinctive characteristics of the Millenary, surrounded on this model by a light fillet motif. Against a shiny black background, white gold Roman numerals in steadily larger sizes fill the dial, much like music fills the night hours in a New York jazz club. The minute circle surrounding the hours vividly evokes piano keys, and one can almost imagine that they are about to spring to life under nimble fingers playing a lively tune. The dial radiates refinement and sophistication, and although black might not be regarded as a colour, its subtly shaded nuances certainly create striking contrasts that boldly lead the dance on the Millenary Quincy Jones watch.  

The tempo for the Millenary Quincy Jones watch is set by Calibre 3120, a mechanical selfwinding movement entirely designed, developed and crafted by Manufacture Auduemars Piguet. This proprietary calibre now gives its beat to the entire range of collections, from the classic Jules Audemars watches to the sporty Royal Oak models, as well as the contemporary Millenary timepieces. Distinguished by its extreme reliability, this sophisticated mechanism is the object of constant improvements. Its cross-through balance bridge ensures enhanced shock resistance while a direct-drive seconds hand avoids any jerking. The adjustment remains stable thanks to a variable-inertia balance fitted with eight inertia-blocks, which also ensures significant long-term constancy of rate. Calibre 3120 is particularly user-friendly thanks to its instant-jump, fast-adjusting date display, as well as its 60-hour power reserve. Accurate time- setting is facilitated by the fact that pulling out the crown instantly activates the stop seconds lever which – as its name implies – brings the seconds hand to an immediate halt. Nonetheless, the crowning glory of Calibre 3120 is the care devoted to its craftsmanship. Hand-assembled in the Le Brassus workshops, it boasts exceptional quality of execution and exquisite finishing. The bridges are meticulously chamfered and polished so as to show only clean-cut, shining edges. The jewel sinks are diamond-polished, while the wheels feature chamfered arms and diamond-polished sinks. Even the rim and slots of the screws are chamfered. Both sides of the mainplate are circular-grained and the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève. Finally, the monobloc oscillating weight in 22-carat gold bears the Audemars and Piguet family crests and the AP monogram.

Initially a trumpet player – and one of those who were determined to give jazz more interpretive freedom, more solos, more improvisation and a faster tempo – he soon also became an arranger, musical director and producer. He worked on dozens of jazz albums, but also and above all with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Tony Bennett. In 1965, this native of the South Side Chicago ghetto made his grand Hollywood debut with the soundtrack of the Sidney Lumet film Pawnbroker – the first of many film music experiences. In parallel, he continued recording discs combining rhythm and blues, funk and pop music. 1978 brought an encounter with Michael Jackson, for whom Quincy produced Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1983) and Bad (1987), all of which became planet-wide successes. A gifted arranger, talent nurturer and hit-maker thanks to his unerring musical flair, Quincy is also recognised for his generosity. He was the brains behind the recording of the famous We are the World humanitarian song for which he achieved the feat of uniting 46 American stars. He has also established The Quincy Jones Foundation, a philanthropic organisation committed to helping children by promoting their well-being, their health and their dignity. 

Audemars Piguet has chosen to associate with this exceptional figure in developing Project Q, aimed at raising awareness among politicians as well as people in general regarding young people’s need for self-expression and the means to help them fulfil their potential. At the core of Project Q lies the Q Prize, an international award presented by Audemars Piguet and honouring a public figure or social organisation that has played a central role on behalf of children. The new Millenary Quincy Jones watch will help generate funds to support the Foundation.