Le Brassus, March 2024 – Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is pleased to unveil a new version of its Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding model, which comes in a 37 mm case crafted entirely from 18-carat yellow gold. The shimmering effect of the hammered gold case and bracelet is accentuated by a smoked gold dial featuring a sunburst finish, bringing contrast and depth to the watch. This timepiece is ideal for smaller wrists and is powered by the selfwinding Calibre 5900, combining elegance and performance.
ALL DRESSED IN FROSTED YELLOW GOLD
The new Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding model features a 37 mm 18-carat yellow gold case and matching bracelet that have been entirely decorated with a hammered finish, giving the gold a sparkling effect. This decoration, renamed Frosted Gold by Audemars Piguet, is inspired by an age-old jewellery technique that originated in Florence. Reinterpreted by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci, this precision finish has been used on the Royal Oak collection since 2016. Tiny marks are chiseled into the surface of the gold using a diamond-tipped tool that gives the gold a shimmering effect.
This finish, combined with the polished chamfers and satin-finished surfaces of the case and bracelet, highlights the watch’s aesthetic codes while providing a captivating play on the light, which is further enhanced by the yellow gold. This material, which is appreciated by numerous watch enthusiasts, first appeared on a Royal Oak in 1977. Gradually eclipsed by pink gold in the 2000s, it made a comeback in 2018 and has been attracting attention ever since.
A DIAL OF MANY CONTRASTS
The golden dial matches the yellow gold of the case, further reinforcing the luminous aesthetic of the timepiece. This warm hue is obtained using a galvanic bath and is accentuated by the dial’s sunburst finish.
After colouring, a smoked effect is added to the dial with the application of a black spray varnish that creates a striking contrast with the yellow gold. The spraying is done entirely by hand with a tool similar to a pen, and requires great skill and dexterity to ensure a precise and refined finish. The smoked gradient is sprayed from the edge of the dial towards the centre and out again. The result is a darker hue around the periphery, which gets lighter towards the centre, without any visible line.
The facetted yellow gold hour-markers and Royal Oak hands are enriched with luminescent material for optimal legibility in the dark. They also stand out against the smoked gold dial. The seconds scale and the “Swiss Made” mention are printed in white around the outside of the dial, creating a clear visual contrast with the darker part of the smoked dial. The date appears in black against a gold background at 3 o’clock, ensuring visual consistency with the rest of the dial. Lastly, the 24-carat gold “Audemars Piguet” logo, obtained by galvanic growth, has been electroplated with black rhodium and positioned at 12 o’clock.
“The combination of this sunny, precious, yellow gold with the hammered decorative finish creates an incredible sparkle and play on the light. Add to this a smoked golden dial with a sunburst finish and the numerous nuances and depth provide a rich visual contrast.”
Sofia Candeias
Product Director
A MOVEMENT COMBINING REFINEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
The Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding is equipped with Calibre 5900, the Manufacture’s latest selfwinding hour, minute, seconds, and date movement, which first appeared in 2022 on certain 37 mm models.
This movement combines a slim 3.9 mm thickness, a high 4Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve. The mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback, which reveals the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and the refined decoration on the components, such as polished angles, vertical satin brushing, Côtes de Genève, circular graining, sunray finishing and chamfering.
