Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Automatic
Audemars Piguet is unveiling a brand new model; the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Automatic 41 mm. In other words, the Le Brassus-based manufacture is presenting its first ever Royal Oak Automatic to feature a flying tourbillon. The model comes in three versions, each with a different case material. This includes a choice of stainless steel, titanium, or rose gold.
The Case
All of the models are housed in the classic 41 mm Royal Oak case. In addition to the stainless-steel version with a deep blue dial, AP is also introducing a model with a titanium case and sandblasted dial. Meanwhile, the Royal Oak with a rose-gold case features a grey dial.
Dial: The Details
Notably, the stainless-steel Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Automatic 41 mm with a blue dial is similar to several other models in the Royal Oak collection. The tapisserie motif expands outwards with a sunburst pattern, stemming from the tourbillon (6 o’clock). By contrast, the titanium model features a sandblasted and slate-grey dial. Meanwhile, the 18-carat rose-gold edition showcases a smoky grey tapisserie sunburst dial.
All three models indicate the time with Royal Oak hands and applied indices, which use luminous material for 24/7 legibility. However, the rose-gold version differs slightly, using rose gold instead of white gold. Furthermore, one particularly special new feature is the applied “Audemars Piguet” signature in 24-carat gold at 12 o’clock. The individual letters are connected by fine gold leaf. Interestingly, the signature is applied by hand and was originally developed for the dials of the complex Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet line.
The Movement – Calibre 2950
Likewise, all three versions are powered by the manufacture calibre 2950 – an automatic movement which combines a flying tourbillon with a central rotor. A flying tourbillon is not attached to the dial by a bridge. Therefore, it gives the impression that the cage is floating. Furthermore, the regulating organ can be viewed both from the front and through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Meanwhile, the skeletonised rotor itself bears the AP logo and winds the mainspring barrel to create a power reserve of 65 hours. The frequency of the balance wheel is 3 Hz. Additionally, the movement is decorated with Geneva stripes, satin finishing, as well as spiral-cut and hand-polished edges.
Last but not least, the case of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Automatic is water-resistant to 50 m. The watches are presented on an integrated Royal Oak bracelet, which match the case material. They operate using a triple-blade folding clasp bearing the AP logo. Finally, the stainless-steel and titanium models cost 138,700 euros, while the rose-gold version costs 170,900 euros.
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