50 Years Royal Oak: Design Update For The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding And Chronograph
Audemars Piguet announces the launch of a total of 30 updated variants of the Royal Oak. This is on the occasion of the Royal Oak‘s 50th anniversary, and the Manufacture has also introduced new models from the “Jumbo” series at the same time. However, these 30 new references can be found in the Royal Oak Automatic and Royal Oak Chronograph Automatic collections. The new features include a slightly optimised case shape, more uniform dials and new, more modern movements. Overall, however, Audemars Piguet remains true to the iconic Genta design and instead improves the successful line in the details.
More Ergonomic Case And Bracelet
The new Royal Oak receives slight improvements to the case and bracelet to make the watch more ergonomic and to emphasise its features. At the same time, the original design was to be retained. On the one hand, the bevels on the flanks have been widened both above and below the case. This should allow the light to be better reflected in the polished surfaces. On the back, the sapphire crystal case back is now recessed deeper into the case, which should benefit wearing comfort.
The bracelet, in turn, also undergoes small optimisations. The first links are now integrated into the middle section and are trapezoidal rather than parallel. In addition, all the links of the bracelet are visually slimmer. The first four now become narrower towards the clasp, making the bracelet lighter and more ergonomic. This change is also a tribute to the 5402 models from 1972, which had this feature.
Audemars Piguet Harmonises The Dials of The Different Variants
The manufacture also adjusts the size of indexes and hands across the different models. Harmonising the proportions aims to ensure a uniform appearance. Another new feature is the galvanised Audemars Piguet lettering at 12 o’clock. This involves applying fine layers of gold on top of each other, similar to 3D printing. The watchmakers had to develop a new format for the 34 and 37 mm versions. The format for the 41 mm watches already existed in the Code 11.59. In addition, the minute scale is no longer on the flat outer part of the dial, but directly on the “Tapisserie”.
New Movements For The Selfwinding And Chronograph Selfwinding
The updated models also come with new calibres. The three-handed Royal Oak with a diameter of 37 mm gets the calibre 5900, which is thinner than its predecessor and has a higher frequency of 4 hertz. In addition, it offers a power autonomy of 60 hours. The 41 mm chronographs feature calibre 4401, which has an integrated mechanism with a flyback function. It also boasts a vertical clutch and a new jumping date. Last but not least, it runs for 70 hours. All models with the updated design also have a special anniversary oscillating weight in 22-carat rose gold. However, this is reserved for the models that will be produced this year.
Royal Oak Selfwinding – 37 mm
The Royal Oak Selfwinding in 37 mm now appears in a total of 11 variants. The four stainless steel models without diamonds differ in their dials. On the one hand, the in-house colour “Night Blue, Cloud 50” is available, which goes back to the Geneva dial manufacturer Stern Frères. The Royal Oak is also available in light blue, grey or with a silver-plated dial. Finally, there is also a two-tone version with the same silver-plated dial.
The models with diamonds are divided into three in stainless steel and three in rose gold. Here, too, one model each is available with “Night Blue, Cloud 50”. There is also a light blue, a grey and a silver-plated dial. The model with the rose gold case and the khaki-coloured dial also stands out.
Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph – 38 mm
The Selfwinding Chronograph with a diameter of 38 mm are available either in stainless steel or in rose gold. One model is set with diamonds in each case. The dials include “Night Blue, Cloud 50” as well as light blue, grey and silver-plated.
Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph – 41 mm
Audemars Piguet is presenting no fewer than 12 new models of their large chronograph with a diameter of 41 mm. There are four stainless steel models with dials in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, khaki green, black and silver-plated. The models in rose gold cases are further distinguished by the bracelet, as leather straps are also available. With a bracelet, however, the same configurations are available as with the stainless steel.
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph with a leather strap comes in three versions. The alligator leather matches the dial in each case. The strap is also equipped with an AP triple folding clasp made of 18-carat rose gold. Here, the company presents one dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, one in black and one in green.
Also new is this special rose gold Royal Oak set with diamonds. The precious stones can be found here on the bracelet, case and dial. The watch also has rose gold-coloured counters and a matching date window.
Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm – Frosted Gold
Last but not least, Audemars Piguet is launching two chronographs with a frosted gold finish. Here, the choice is between a yellow gold or white gold case. The textured surface is created using a technique known as the Florentine finish. The surface is gently worked with a diamond-tipped stylus, which gives the watch the shimmer of precious stones.
15550ST.OO.1356ST.01 (stainless steel)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15550ST.OO.1356ST.02 (stainless steel)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15550ST.OO.1356ST.03 (stainless steel)
Grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15550ST.OO.1356ST.04 (stainless steel)
Light blue dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15551ST.ZZ.1356ST.01 (stainless steel/diamond bezel)
Light blue dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15551ST.ZZ.1356ST.02 (stainless steel/diamond bezel)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15551ST.ZZ.1356ST.03 (stainless steel/diamond bezel)
Grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 15550SR.OO.1356SR.01 (stainless steel/rose gold)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 15551OR.ZZ.1356OR.01 (rose gold/diamond bezel)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in pink gold 15551OR.ZZ.1356OR.02 (rose gold/diamond bezel)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in pink gold 15551OR.ZZ.1356OR.03 (rose gold/diamond bezel)
Khaki dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in rose gold
Stainless steel, rose gold, white gold or yellow gold
DIMENSIONS
38 mm
Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 11 mm 41 mm
Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 12.4 mm
WATER RESISTANCE
5 bar (~50 m)
DIAL
38 mm 26715ST.OO.1356ST.01 (stainless steel)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, counters in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26715ST.OO.1356ST.02 (stainless steel)
Grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif,
silver-coloured counters, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26715ST.ZZ.1356ST.01 (stainless steel/diamond bezel)
Light blue dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, silver-coloured counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26715OR.OO.1356OR.01 (rose gold)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie”-motif
motif, counters in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 26715OR.ZZ.1356OR.01 (rose gold/diamond bezel)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, silver-coloured counters, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 41 mm 26240ST.OO.1320ST.01 (stainless steel)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, counters in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26240ST.OO.1320ST.02 (stainless steel)
Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, black counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03 (stainless steel)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, silver-coloured counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04 (stainless steel)
Khaki dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, khaki green counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands 26240OR.OO.1320OR.01 (rose gold)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, counters in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in pink gold 26240OR.OO.1320OR.02 (rose gold)
Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, black counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 26240OR.OO.1320OR.03 (rose gold)
Silver-plated dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, silver-coloured counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in pink gold 26240OR.OO.1320OR.04 (rose gold)
Khaki dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, khaki green counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 26240OR.OO.D315CR.01 (rose gold/alligator strap)
Dial in “Night Blue, Cloud 50” with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, counters in “Night Blue, Cloud 50”, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in pink gold 26240OR.OO.D404CR.01 (rose gold/alligator strap)
Khaki dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, khaki green counters, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 26240OR.OO.D002CR.01 (rose gold/alligator strap)
Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, black counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold 26242OR.ZZ.1322OR.01 (rose gold/diamond dial/diamond bezel)
Dial in 18 carat pink gold set with 234 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.82 carat), gold-plated counters, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in pink gold Frosted gold 26240BC.GG.1324BC.01 (white gold)
Grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, black counters, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands in white gold 26240BA.GG.1324BA.01 (yellow gold)
Yellow gold dial with “Grande Tapisserie” motif, black counters, applied indexes and Royal Oak hands in yellow gold
STRAP/BRACELET
Case material or alligator leather. With folding clasp.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Black Ceramic 34 mm: it's a watch that trends on social media, enjoys demand and discussion, and consequently gets its own article on pretty much every watch publication. We are also keen to get to know this Casanova of the watch world, which is why editor Catherine Bishop took…
Chopard has acted as the official timekeeper of the Italian classic car rally Mille Miglia. Not only does Chopard's co-president take part in the 1000-mile race, but also the annual event sees the introduction of exclusive timepieces to celebrate the events. This year, Chopard presents the Mille Miglia GTS Azzurro Power Control and the Mille…
Piaget has unveiled the limited Altiplano Skeleton High Jewellery Métiers d’Art. This watch showcases the brand’s expertise in ultra-thin mechanics, gem-setting, and cloisonné enamelling. Cloisonné enameling, a centuries-old technique, involves crafting detailed designs by outlining patterns with thin metal wires or strips (cloisons, meaning “compartments” in French). These compartments are filled with colored enamel paste…
Having covered the enduringly popular Cartier Santos extensively, today certainly marks an exciting day as the world-famous French maison introduces a number of new models to its portfolio. This includes several exciting Santos de Cartier and Santos Dumont novelties, which are taking central stage this year in the form of new colour palettes – and…
In July 2019, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA unveiled the Speedmaster Moonwatch with the legendary calibre 321, however in a platinum execution. Now, this model is finally being launched in stainless steel, inspired from a Speedmaster ST 105.003 that astronaut Edward White wore on his wrist while walking in space for the first time. Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 in…
In 1993, the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M was launched for the first time. Its design and ocean technology signalled OMEGA’s return to the world of diving watches and also ignited the brand’s partnership with the figure of James Bond. Now, 25 years later, a new collection has arrived. OMEGA - Seamaster Diver 300M OMEGA is…
If you think the watch and the concept of a limited customer base sound familiar, you're right – at least almost. To mark the 40th anniversary of The Cartier Collection – a collection of jewellery, watches and accessories launched in 1973 that exemplifies the brand's style – the Tank Louis Cartier Platinum Limited Edition was…
The Fifty Fathoms collection embodies Blancpain's passion for the underwater world, which began in 1953 with the creation of the first modern divers' watch. With its 70-year history of Fifty Fathoms, the brand is closely aligned with the world's explorers, photographers, oceanographers and conservationists who appreciate and protect precious underwater life. Now, the model line…
Back in 2007, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented a model with the patented Duometre mechanism for the first time. The special feature of this construction is that it combines two barrels and two separate gear trains in one calibre, which are connected to a single regulating organ. The watchmakers at Jaeger-LeCoultre are thus addressing a problem by which…
Porsche Design debuted the 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Brown & Leather two years ago and have now launched the model with a brand new navy blue look – the 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Blue & Leather. Presented on a genuine blue Porsche leather strap with grey stitching and a folding clasp opened with a pusher, it showcases…
TUDOR is introducing a new Black Bay 58, which will be only available in the brand's shops. As the name suggests, the TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze has a 39 mm case made of bronze. In addition, however, the bracelet with a new extension system is also made of the same material. The new model…
From 29 June to 2 July, this great classic car meeting returns to the legendary Le Mans race track. Against a history-steeped backdrop, around 800 classic cars as well as another 8,500 club vehicles will take part in a series of fiercely contested races. This year, the 150 exhibitors and 1,000 drivers from 30 different…
70 years ago, Panerai first introduced the tritium-based luminous substance Luminor – now, the Florentine watchmaker launches the Luminor Marina Carbotech 44 mm (PAM01118) with further improved luminosity, an innovative material and a service warranty of 70 years. Ever since the 1940s, Panerai has continuously worked on improving the emission of light. By using SuperLumiNova…