The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) accommodates a flying tourbillon in the slim “Jumbo” case. In order to make this complication possible for the “Jumbo“, a completely new movement had to be developed. At the same time, the watchmaker wanted to maintain the classic proportions. At the beginning of the year, the Manufacture kicked off the anniversary year of the collection with refreshed models. Now comes this “Research & Development” piece, which puts the spotlight on the mechanics.
This “Jumbo” comes in a stainless steel case that measures 39 mm in diameter and 8.1 mm in height. It thus retains the iconic proportions of the collection, despite the tourbillon. Likewise, the typical angular bezel with its visible screws is featured, as is the exhibition caseback. The water resistance stays at 5 bar (~50 metres).
The dial of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) also remains faithful to the collection. It presents itself with a Petite Tapisserie in the classic blue shade “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”. The colour is created by a PVD (physical vapour deposition) process, which is intended to provide a long-lasting colour. The minute scale is printed on the dial, as is the “Audemars Piguet” lettering. Two Baignoire-shaped hands with luminous coating indicate the time. Finally, the flying tourbillon is located at 6 o’clock. Its cage is of titanium, which gives the dial a soft contrast.
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) marks the debut of the calibre 2968, which took five years to develop. The greatest difficulty was to fit the tourbillon into the smaller dimensions of a “Jumbo”. To this end, the watchmakers designed a peripheral drive for the tourbillon cage. This not only ensures a better distribution of energy, but also makes the system lighter. The flying tourbillon dispenses with an upper bridge for mounting, which makes it appear to be floating. Overall, the goal was to reveal as much of the escapement’s mechanics as possible.
On the back is the “50-YEARS” oscillating weight, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Here it consists of rhodium-plated 22-carat rose gold and supplies the barrel with a maximum power autonomy of 50 hours. In total, the movement consists of 226 parts and measures only 3.4 mm in height. It operates at a frequency of 3 hertz. Last but not least, decorations include polished inner angles and modern line-cut motifs.
The watch appears on the integrated Royal Oak bracelet made of stainless steel. A smaller version with a diameter of 37 mm is also to follow in September 2022. The price for the “Jumbo” with tourbillon is 157,500 Swiss francs excluding VAT.
