Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” BMG: What is Bulk Metallic Glass?

Audemars Piguet is presenting an innovative addition to its Royal Oak collection. This new Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin builds on the tradition of the iconic Royal Oak line, but at the same time presents a new fusion of materials: titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG). On the occasion of the annual Only Watch fundraising campaign, Audemars Piguet already showcased a unique piece made of the two metals in 2021. However, this is the first time that such a case has come to series production.

Case

The watch has a 39 mm case that combines titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass. While titanium is widely used because of its lightness and strength, the combination with BMG is new. The material shares certain properties with glass, which is why it bears the name. The palladium-based BMG developed by Audemars Piguet ensures high scratch resistance and brilliance. The material is used for the bezel, case back and bracelet bars and has been given a polished finish. This shiny finish contrasts with the case parts and the links of the titanium bracelet. The mark “Pd500” on the case back confirms the high palladium content in the BMG, which is over 50%. The water resistance is 50 m.

Dial

The smoky burgundy dial has a sunburst finish and contrasts with the cool colours of the metals. The indices and hands are of 18-carat rose gold. They have luminescent coating to ensure readability at night. The date window at 3 o’clock blends into the design with the colour-coordinated disc. Last but not least, there is an applied AP monogram at 6 o’clock.

Movement

Inside the Royal Oak “Jumbo” BMG is the calibre 7121. This movement launched in 2022 and replaced the calibre 2121, which had been in use since 1972. The calibre 7121 marked the transition to the new generation launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Manufacture. With a height of 3.2 mm, the mechanism nestles in the watch’s slender case. The calibre 7121 consists of 268 individual parts and operates at a frequency of 4 hertz. The weights of the free-sprung balance are integrated into the balance rim, thus preventing air friction.

The central oscillating weight of the 7121 calibre sits on a ball bearing with two ratchet wheels enabling bidirectional winding. The power reserve is 55 hours. With decorations such as Côtes de Genève, circular satin finishes, spiral cuts, perlage and polished bevels, the mechanism is artfully rendered. They are all visible through the sapphire crystal case back, which also reveals the characteristic oscillating weight in 22-carat rose gold.

Price & Availability

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” BMG combines innovative materials, craftsmanship and the legendary design of the collection. It comes with the typical titanium bracelet that has polished BMG bars here. The new model with the reference 16202XT.OO.1240XT.01 is a regular addition to the collection. However, due to high demand, this does not imply ample availability. The price is 94,400 Euro.

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