Audemars Piguet’s New Royal Oak’s Of 2024 : Brace Yourselves - The Steel Jumbo Is Discontinued!

While we’re all eagerly anticipating the influx of new releases at Watches & Wonders 2024, there are certain launches that the watch world is eagerly awaiting from brands that may not necessarily be a part of the show. Audemars Piguet has just introduced a part of their annual launches for 2024. Let’s dig in…

Sand Gold Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked
1972 will always be remembered as an iconic year when Audemars Piguet unveiled a groundbreaking luxury steel watch featuring an integrated bracelet and bold design - the Royal Oak. Selected for the job was Gerald Genta, already a renowned figure in the industry, having previously crafted acclaimed timepieces for brands such as Universal Genève, Omega and Patek Philippe (including the Golden Ellipse. Today Audemars Piguet has introduced an all-new Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon in sand gold

This 41mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked captivates the interplay of light marks its debut with a new gold crafted in sand gold. Matching the sand gold case and bracelet, Audemars Piguet has meticulously applied a matching sand-gold hue to the openworked bridges and mainplate of Calibre 2972. This sophisticated movement, showcased prominently on both sides of the watch, boasts a multilayered architecture that captivates the eye.

By strategically removing excess material from the mainplate and bridges, the intricate mechanism's beauty and precision are accentuated, allowing light to penetrate while preserving its functionality. Initially unveiled in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, Calibre 2972 merges a self-winding mechanism with a flying tourbillon. Its meticulously crafted openworked design features multiple layers, meticulously arranged to achieve symmetry and impart a distinctive three-dimensional appearance to the Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon.

The preference for subtle gold accents in watches seems to be gaining popularity among certain segments of consumers today. Instead of flashy or overtly bold gold designs, many individuals are opting for more understated and refined gold elements in their timepieces. This shift towards subtle gold may reflect a desire for elegance and sophistication without being overly ostentatious. One can’t really describe this as a subtle take on the “subtle” take on the Royal Oak but surely seems to be a subdued version of the gold.

A Smoked Blue Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3)

Inspired from the two 39 and 37 mm RD#3 steel watches from 2022, this year Audemars Piguet has dropped new iteration of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) in 37 mm in 18-carat white gold. Engaging yet again with the light like the facets of a diamond the extra-thin 18-carat white gold case and bracelet are finished with alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfers.

This new Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) integrates several aesthetic elements of the “Jumbo” dial like the Petite Tapisserie only now offered in a new smoked blue colourway achieved by meticulously spraying black varnish while the dial is rotating.

No surprises that the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) is powered by the Maisons ultra-thin selfwinding flying tourbillon movement, Calibre 2968. The balance wheel and escapement is this calibre that is merely 3.4mm thick, are housed in a tiny rotating cage that completes a revolution every minute to prevent their centre of gravity from staying in the same orientation. Contrary to its tourbillon sibling, the flying tourbillon cage is only supported from below to leave the watch’s beating heart unobscured on the dial side, an art and skill that only a few expert watchmakers possess.

The John Mayer Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar limited edition

A picturesque dial, Audemars Piguet describes the dial as an homage to the expansive skies, aptly named "Crystal Sky." Achieved through a stamped process, this dial captures the true essence of boundless horizons.

The rich navy blue dial, a hallmark hue of the Royal Oak collection, is achieved through a PVD process that accentuates its depth and richness. The recessed sub-dials, featuring a delicate snailed pattern, maintain consistency with traditional RO QP models, boasting the same PVD coloring. The layout retains familiar elements, including the day at 9 o'clock, the month and leap year at 12 o'clock, the date at 3 o'clock, and the moon phase indicator at 6 o'clock, set against an aventurine background.

What makes this John Mayer edition unique is the inclusion of a light blue central week hand and a special adjustment to the date indicator. Here, the red 31 indication has been substituted with a white one, while the two numerals of the 31 have been reduced in size and slightly staggered to distinguish them from the adjacent 1.

As for the rest, the watch follows a classic design: measuring 41mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness, the white gold case boasts brushed and polished surfaces, maintaining the iconic RO silhouette with a limited water resistance of 20m. The bracelet remains consistent with previous non-limited editions. The sapphire caseback, secured by screws, features engravings of “Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel” and “Limited Edition of 200 Pieces.”