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.

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding – 37 mm

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph