The idea of customizing a high-end mechanical timepiece is not necessarily seen favorably, especially amongst discerning watch collectors who demand their collectibles to be absolutely in their original condition. However, not all customized watches are eyesores, like the newly released Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection by MAD Paris. The custom shop is one of the notable names in the customized watch business, which can boast Drake and Virgil Abloh as its clients. For the new AP Royal Oak collection, MAD Paris partnered with Charaf Tajer from Casablanca and Matthew Williams from 1017 ALYX 9SM. The designers were given free rein, which resulted in some compelling horological creations.

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Tajer?s take on Royal Oak mirrors the colorful exuberance of Casablanca?s recent Spring/Summer 2022. The Casablanca founder chose the 36mm version of the Royal Oak to create a pair of vibrant watches that are inspired by the Japanese culture as well as the postmodern Memphis Milano movement. In a conversation by Highsnobiety, Tajer said the watch?s playful nature revolves around ?the contradiction of designing a luxury item for adults which has design elements inspired by the childhood innocence and intrigue that we all have experienced.?...