The Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacture Audemars Piguet is introducing two new versions of the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked and two new models of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Automatic in 18-carat white or yellow gold. The new models with a diameter of 37 mm and 34 mm are designed for its followers with slimmer wrists.
The two new models in 37 mm are available with a case and bracelet in either 18-carat white or rose gold. The inner bezel in light blue or violet provides a special colour contrast and visual update to the case, creating a harmonious overall look.
As is customary for the collection, the precious metal of the case and bracelet is enhanced by an alternation of satinised and polished surfaces. This look is also continued on the surfaces of the skeletonised movement visible through the sapphire crystal. The skeletonised movement has been a speciality of Audemars Piguet since the 1930s, and first appeared in 1981 in the Royal Oak collection with the Reference 5710BA. The trick has always been to remove as much material from the mainplate and bridges as possible to allow light to pass through the movement. Over the years, the number of open-worked models in the Royal Oak collection has risen to around fifty. The new models now feature a movement with rhodium-plated and rose gold-coloured surfaces. In the 18-carat white gold version, the faceted rose-gold hands and hour markers contrast with the rhodium-plated movement. In the rose-gold version, the hands and hour markers filled with luminous material are in contrasting white gold.
Both timepieces are powered by calibre 3132, an automatic movement with a double balance wheel. This technical device was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2016 and gives the watch greater precision and stability. Two balances and two hairsprings, mounted on the same axis, allow the movement to oscillate synchronously. The open-worked oscillating weight is colour-coordinated with the respective case and harmoniously rounds off the design of the new models.
Audemars Piguet’s next duo are two new versions of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Automatic in 18-carat white or yellow gold, featuring a special ‘Crystal Sand’ dial. The new models have a 34 mm case and a matching bracelet. To visually match the dial, they are also fully hammered. This traditional technique, called ‘Frosted Gold’ by Audemars Piguet, is achieved by tiny indentations hammered using diamond tools.
The centrepiece of both watches is the ‘Crystal Sand’ dial, which lends the watches a certain sparkle and contrasts with the cases. The motif produced by Audemars Piguet’s artisans is modelled on the shape of a ruthenium crystal. The mould is produced using a metal cutting process known as electro-forming. In order to match the appearance of the respective case, the motif is placed in a galvanic rhodium or gold bath.
The two new timepieces are powered by calibre 5800, which was specially developed for the 34 mm Royal Oak collection presented in 2020. This 4 mm-high movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of 50 hours. The sapphire crystal caseback also allows for a view of the movement and the 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight, as well as some impressive traditional decoration. This includes Côtes de Genève, satin-finished surfaces, sunburst decoration and perlage.
Last but not least, the Royal Oak Openworked double balance wheel with a 37mm case has a price of 96,900 euros, regardless of case material. By contrast, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold in 34 mm has a price of 61,400 euros.
