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.
Due to the ongoing health crisis, Watches & Wonders 2021 is shifting from being an in-person fair to an online event. It will still take place from April 7 to April 13, but will now be a solely online, interactive experience. The decision to move online was taken by the Watches and Wonders Geneva Exhibitor…
Patek Philippe is introducing its first wristwatch to focus on a Grande Sonnerie complication – the Patek Philippe 6301P-001 Grande Sonnerie. It features a striking mechanism that automatically sounds the full hours and quarter hours. It also integrates a Petite Sonnerie, a minute repeater and patented jumping small seconds. Only four watchmakers at Patek Philippe…
As the Tambour watch reaches its 21st birthday, Louis Vuitton is honouring its most important model with a successor – and what a successor it is. The goal is clear: to move up into the highest class of watchmaking. Will it succeed? How good really is the new Louis Vuitton Tambour? And will Louis Vuitton…
On the occasion of this year’s Rugby World Championship and in honor of its partnership with the Rugby national team of New Zealand the Swiss watch brand TUDOR presents the Black Bay Chronograph in black. The quantities of these limited pieces depend on how many players have been part of the All Blacks ever since their foundation…
Richard Mille presents four new variants of the RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire. The collection debuted in 2015 and has been expanded to include a new lilac sapphire colour. The watches feature a diamond-set case and a dial with geometric shapes, showcasing the brand's signature watchmaking techniques. Each version is limited to seven pieces. Case The…
Piaget is celebrating the history of the Altiplano Ultimate Concept with a unique piece. Until recently, the ultra-flat watch from 2018 was considered the flattest mechanical watch in the world. But then, on the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2022, Bulgari presented the Octo Finissimo Ultra, which has been leading the field ever since. Nonetheless,…
For over a century, the watchmaker Panerai, founded in Florence by Giovanni Panerai, has been dedicated to the production of precision instruments developed primarily for the Italian navy and military. As early as 1916, Panerai, in collaboration with a lieutenant in the Italian navy, succeeded in developing a substance based on radium that glowed in…
The TUDOR Ranger originated in the 1960s and was dedicated to the spirit of adventure and exploration. Now the Geneva-based company is reviving the historic model. The robust timepiece features a satin-finished stainless steel case and historical design elements. Inside, however, is a modern movement that exceeds the chonometer requirements. The watch comes with a…
Richard Mille has introduced the RM 65-01 McLaren W1, the latest result of its collaboration with the British supercar manufacturer. It's the fourth watch model that Richard Mille and McLaren have introduced since the start of their partnership in 2016. Inspired by the new McLaren W1, the timepiece features a complex automatic chronograph movement with…
The excitement is back! From July 3-6, the Le Mans Classic event returns, and with it comes another extraordinary Richard Mille limited edition, celebrating the golden age of endurance racing. The RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic marks the Swiss brand’s 12th timepiece dedicated to this biennial celebration since their inaugural partnership in 2002. Scheduled to…
In the world of luxury watchmaking, there are few names as strongly associated with innovation and precision as TAG Heuer. At this year's Watches & Wonders in Geneva, the brand is once again attracting attention with the new edition of the legendary TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date. This watch, which has its roots in motorsport, is…
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…
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…