Audemars Piguet launches a new Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked debuts sand gold, a new 18-carat gold alloy.
“This 41 mm timepiece is crafted in sand gold, a new 18-carat gold alloy that hovers between white and pink gold and plays with the light. Its multilayered, openworked movement pairs sand-gold-toned and rhodium-toned hues.”
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in 18-carat sand gold during Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, held from April 9th until April 15th, 2024. 18-carat sand gold is a new gold alloy developed by Audemars Piguet. This new model joins the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in stainless steel, which debuted Calibre 2972 in 2022.
Left: Version in stainless steel which debuted Calibre 2972. Right: Version in 18-carat sand gold, debut model for this new gold alloy.
“This new galvanic colour sits in subtle contrast with the rhodium-toned components of the movement’s inner workings to create a unique 3D effect. The result is a harmonious scene blending technical complexity with contemporary design.”
“Sand gold offers subtle variations depending on the light, provides resistance over time and making it both a durable and timeless colour.”
Key Features
Functions
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked’s functions include:
– Central Hours and Minutes.
– Flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Dial
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked’s dial features include:
– It features an openworked dial, with a sand gold-toned inner bezel.
– Its Royal Oak hour and minute hands are made from white gold and coated with luminescent material.
– The 13 hour-markers (2 for 12 o’clock), applied on the inner bezel and protruding inwards into the open dial, are made from white gold and coated with luminescent material.
– A minute scale encircles the inner bezel, graduated in increments of 5 minutes each.
“To complement the new gold case and bracelet, Audemars Piguet developed a matching sand-gold-toned hue to adorn the openworked bridges and mainplate of Calibre 2972, whose multilayered architecture takes centre stage on both sides of the watch.”
Movement
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked’s movement features include:
– It is powered by mechanical self-winding Calibre 2972.
– It powers the hours, minutes, and flying tourbillon.
– Its diameter is 31.5 mm.
– Its thickness is 6.2 mm.
– It comprises of 271 parts.
– It has 27 jewels.
– It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph or 3 Hz.
– It has a power reserve of 65 hours.
“First released in 2022 for the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, Calibre 2972 combines a selfwinding mechanism with a flying tourbillon. Its highly stylised and multilayered openworked architecture has been conceived to offer symmetry while bestowing the watch with a unique 3D effect. The beauty and finesse of the mechanism are revealed by removing as much material from the mainplate and bridges as possible to let light pass through, without impairing its functions.”
Case and Bracelet
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked’s case and bracelet features include:
– Its case is made from 18-carat sand gold. This new 18-carat gold alloy provides “rich plays of light.” “Hovering between white and pink gold, its colour changes depending on the angle and light, thus offering varied aesthetic possibilities.”
– Its case “encompasses the latest Royal Oak design evolution introduced in 2022.”
– Its case diameter is 41 mm.
– Its case thickness is 10.6 mm.
– On both its dial and caseback side, it features a glareproofed sapphire crystal.
– It is water resistant up to 50 metres.
– Its bracelet is made from 18-carat sand gold and features an AP folding clasp.
Our Thoughts
The Gerald Genta designed Royal Oak, with its octagonal case design, is one of the most iconic and famous designs of horology. Timepieces from the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections are among the most sought after in the world.
As part of the historic Holy Trinity, along with Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet knows a thing or two about crafting grand complication movements, since its founding in Le Brassus, Switzerland in 1875. The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in 18-carat sand gold combines an openworked grand complication movement, housed in a Royal Oak case and crafted in a new gold alloy. It is a thing of beauty, and a level of horology which few brands can achieve.
Based on images and supporting information, I find the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in 18-carat sand gold immensely desirable. Very few will have an opportunity to own this timepiece, let alone handle one in the flesh. We should be grateful it exists.
Additional Details
Name: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked
Reference: 26735SG.OO.1320SG.01
Price: On Request.
Please contact Audemars Piguet if interested.
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