Audemars Piguet: The Flying Tourbillon Shines With New Colours

The Royal Oak is back yet again and this time in dazzling unique timepieces in the Concept Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon collection. It's one of those that will either make your toes curl or just make you squirm. Let's decipher that thought a little.  

A limited-edition of six new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon models in white or pink gold, encrusted with a variety of graded coloured gemstones and diamonds, each with its own unique light play. In these intricate clocks that combine traditional processes with avant-garde design, Haute Horlogerie meets Haute Joaillerie. These multidimensional pieces will be genuine statements when worn on the wrist, with their unique characteristics and striking contrasts.

FINDING THE RIGHT STONES

A choice of brilliant- or baguette-cut gemstones adorn the new timepieces. They set four of the models with graded blue sapphires, while the other two have multi-colored jewels that create a rainbow appearance. Finding the proper stones, colours, and contrasts was an important part of the design process for clocks with up to 468 brilliant- or 208 baguette-cut graded gems.

Twelve distinct varieties of multicoloured gemstones, including rubies, tsavorites, emeralds, topaz, tanzanites, amethysts, and various coloured sapphires, meticulously picked for the two rainbow models to provide vibrant hues and a smooth gradation when combined. The changing colours of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple further highlight the case and bezel's geometry, reflecting light to provide a unique optical experience similar to that of a rainbow. The first model features a diamond-set case and dial, as well as a baguette-cut rainbow bezel, while the second is completely covered in brilliant-cut multi-colored gemstones.

 A Blend of High Jewellery and Cutting-Edge Micro-Mechanics 

We all love a timepiece that adds a colourful vibe to our life and attire. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept does just that, but at a price. The dials shimmering with faceted pyramids, revealing every movement of the timepiece ticking. The open-worked barrel of hand-wound Calibre 2951 gives a fascinating look at the watch’s power source- the coiled mainspring.

Compensating for the effect of gravity and making a rotation at 6 o’clock; this timepiece is quite a marvel. While those rainbow colours and bold aesthetics of the Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon will most certainly make heads turn, we're not convinced of the value it may add to your existing collection. Although the craftsmanship and the inner workings here are exquisite without a doubt, the bling maybe a tad too extravagant on these watches. Then again, the term value is subjective.

Where can you find them? 

As of October 2021, the four pieces set with brilliant-cut gemstones will be offered at certain Audemars Piguet locations. In 2022, the two baguette-cut varieties will be available. 

Born in Le Brassus, raised around the world, this collection will leave you stunned, in every sense of the word.