Audemars Piguet Novelties: Royal Oak DBW Openworked 37 and Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34
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.
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in 37 mm
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.
Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding in 18-carat white or yellow gold
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.
Watch manufactures have long drawn inspiration from artistic and even architectural movements, and the new Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 Selfwinding is no exception. The watch draws on brutalism, aka a popular building design born in London after the Second World War, for its design code – think of icons such as the Barbican. In line with…
Hublot is presenting three very special timepieces at this year's LVMH Watch Week in Singapore, all of which break with old conventions. From a transparent neon-coloured case and a watch helping to protect the rhinoceros to a new edition of an all-time classic, Hublot is coming up with all the goods. Classic Fusion Original The…
Breguet has unveiled a new watch in its Type XX collection. The Type XX Chronograph 2067 is a civilian version with a case made of rose gold and a bezel featuring a ceramic insert. These materials are not only robust but also exude luxury, marking a departure from the military origins of the Type XX…
Along with the launch of the Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo, Breitling has also enhanced the Chronomat collection with new designs. The new models are centred around the Chronomat B01 42, which is available in various materials and colour variants. A highlight is the new Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap, introduced for the first time in the collection. This…
Louis Vuitton has unveiled the Tambour Convergence, a new collection of timepieces that showcases the brand’s watchmaking expertise. These watches feature a unique guichet time display and a self-winding movement made in-house. The collection includes two models: one in rose gold and the other in platinum with diamond embellishments. Here’s a closer look at the…
With the Manero Minute Repeater Symphony, Carl F. Bucher is presenting an extraordinary minute repeater. The watch combines three elements – oscillating weight, tourbillon and regulator – with peripheral mounting. Last but not least, the watch in the 43.8 mm red gold case comes with a COSC chronometer certificate. As the most complex watch ever…
Audemars Piguet has unveiled the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in sand gold. This watch, featuring a 38mm case, marks the first time the brand offers the complication in this diameter. It showcases the ultra-thin Calibre 2968 (RD#3) movement, which was introduced in 2022 in small Royal Oak models. The watch is crafted from 18-carat…
Swiss watchmaker Zenith is introducing a violet-coloured chronograph watch, the Zenith Defy 21 Ultraviolet. Even its movement has ultra-violet finishings – a watchmaking world first. Furthermore, the movement features a second independent escapement for the chronograph which beats at the highest frequency currently seen in chronographs. Firstly, the watch showcases a faceted micro-blasted titanium case,…
Jaeger-LeCoultre has unveiled a new version of the Reverso Tribute Chronograph, featuring a pink gold case. Key design elements include a solid pink gold dial with a new decorative finish and an open-worked reverse side showcasing the intricacies of the chronograph mechanism. Powered by the newly developed Calibre 860, this watch also pays homage to…
As the 50th anniversary year of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, which was widely celebrated with an array of special models, draws to a close, the watch manufacturer is already presenting its next highlight. With the Chronograph 1 - GP 2023 Edition, Porsche Design is launching a second limited special edition to mark the GP…
The latest addition to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra family features a ceramic bezel, an integrated matt-black rubber strap and a turquoise dial. Two case sizes are available. The Story of the Aqua Terra With the Aqua Terra line, part of the Seamaster collection first launched in 1948, Omega has been paying tribute to its…
On the Geneva watch fair SIHH in January 2019 the brand Vacheron Constantin from the identically named district in Switzerland presented a new model. With the Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar the world’s oldest watch manufacture in continuous activity launched a mode with a calibre with minute repeater and perpetual calendar in white gold (Ref. 6610C/000G-B511) and rose gold…
To mark Zenith's 160th anniversary, the legendary calibre 135 is making a return as the centrepiece in the new G.F.J. collection. The timepiece is a tribute to the multi-award-winning calibre, which was produced in two different versions from 1949 to 1962. Its 135-O variant, manufactured for observatory chronometry competitions, broke records by winning more than…