Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon
Audemars Piguet is introducing a new watch in the form of two versions – the Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon. Available in either 18-carat pink gold (26630OR.GG.D326CR.01), or 18-carat white gold (26630BC.GG.D326CR.01), both versions showcase a contemporary dial, consisting of multiple layers lined with gold to match the cases. Moreover, the new ladies’ watches mark the first time that a Royal Oak Concept case has used frosted gold.
The frosted gold effect on the Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon‘s 38.5 mm cases is achieved using a technique that originates from Florence. It involves creating tiny indentations on the surface of the 18-carat white- or pink-gold cases, using a diamond-tipped tool. The effect it creates contrasts with the watches’ polished bevels. An interesting design detail can also be seen on the watches’ crowns, which are set with a single translucent sapphire cabochon.
Notably, the blue, multi-layered sunray dials of the Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon watches have no hour markers. They simply feature the AP logo at 12 o’clock. The white-gold version displays the time via white-gold Royal Oak hands, while – likewise – the pink-gold version has pink-gold hands. On both editions, the hands have a luminescent coating for 24/7 legibility. The dials consist of four juxtaposed circles of increasing size, graduating to a lighter blue as the layers move outwards from the open-worked flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Several gold-toned circles make up the cage, which is set with brilliant-cut diamonds in the centre. Additionally, the dials are protected by glare-proof sapphire crystal.
Powering the two editions is the manual-wound, in-house calibre 2964. The movement, which consists of 207 components and 17 jewels, beats at a frequency of 3 Hz and and has a power reserve of 72 hours. Meanwhile, the flying tourbillon itself is a complication that compensates the effect of gravity – thus improving precision. Furthermore, the movement’s circular motif is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback and evokes the same layout as the dial.
Finally, the Royal Oak Concept Frosted Gold Flying Tourbillon watches are presented on blue “large square-scale” alligator straps. An additional blue textured rubber strap with a constellation motif, which recalls the frosted gold case, is also available. Both straps are operated via a frosted gold folding clasp. Furthermore, the watches are water-resistant to 20 m. Finally, the price of both watches is approximately 156,400 euros (subject to exchange rate).
Multi-layered graded blue dial with sunray pattern, white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
STRAP/BRACELET:
Hand-stitched “large square scale” bluealligator strap with hammered 18-carat white gold or pink-gold folding clasp. Additional shiny blue rubber strap.
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