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When I first heard rumors of the introduction of a “Bill Clinton watch” from Audemars Piguet, a few sarcastically humorous thoughts came to mind, as I rolled my eyes slightly. Not being a major fan of the ex-president, I was a bit dismissive of the idea, something that in hindsight was undeserved. The timepiece used for this very special limited edition is extremely beautiful, quite probably the finest celebrity collaboration watch Audemars Piguet has yet introduced.
The Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Clinton Foundation Equation of Time watch is a fine variation upon the exquisite Jules Audemars Equation of Time watch, an extremely complex self-winding masterpiece from Audemars Piguet that in my opinion is one of the most gorgeous astronomic wristwatches currently in production. In addition to a perpetual calendar with leap year indication and moonphase, the “EOT” as it is affectionately known by collectors also features the remarkable equation of time complication–a seldom-seen horological specialty that indicates in a plus or minus value the difference between mean civil time and true solar time. What makes the Audemars Piguet Equation of Time even more exceptional is that it also accurately indicates the exact moment of solar culmination and sunrise and sunset in a specific location for which the watch is specially calibrated. The legendary 2120 caliber movement inside this watch is another point that collectors will appreciate. This combination of desirable elements makes this Audemars Piguet watch truly remarkable in every aspect – a true treat for connoisseurs.
The special design features which link this timepiece to our 42nd president are very elegant and subtle. For example, have a look at the inner bezel rehaut – instead of a city, it is marked with the inscription “The White House”. A very nice detail, to be sure. Also very attractive is the caseback, which is formally engraved with the seal “William J. Clinton 42nd President of the United States”. While Audemars Piguet has always done a very good job in tasteful commemorative details (yes, even on some of the more far-out Offshores, in my opinion), this one is certainly the most sublime yet. Audemars Piguet’s choice of a timepiece from the Jules Audemars collection is also a refreshing change of pace that I applaud. Available directly through Audemars Piguet only, the Clinton Foundation Equation of Time watch is presented in an edition of 42 pieces each in 18K white gold, 18K pink gold, and platinum.
A final thought. I understand that Mr. Clinton is a passionate devotee of fine timepieces, and I suspect that if he and I were to sit down over coffee, we could no doubt find much to converse about enjoyably as fellow watch-o-philes. Political differences aside, I do appreciate much of the work that the Clinton Foundation is devoted to, including care and treatment for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS, as well as education, health and poverty issues throughout the world. The fact that a significant portion of each watch’s purchase price goes directly to such causes is admirable, and gives an extra measure of satisfaction to owning such a sterling example of haute horlogerie.
