Le Brassus, March 2024 – Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is happy to unveil two new variations of its Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, introducing new dial aesthetics. Executed in stainless steel or 18-carat pink gold, these two 41 mm references respectively feature a smoked burgundy sunburst dial and a dial in grey and ivory hues. These new shades highlight the flying tourbillon rotating at 6 o’clock, while bestowing the two watches with a refined and contemporary look.
TWO VARIATIONS OF THE SAME MODEL
Although conceived in different materials, these new Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon models in 41 mm share several of the collection’s aesthetic codes.
The stainless steel or 18-carat pink gold case and bracelet are finished with satin-brushed surfaces and polished chamfers for an endless play on the light. Offering optimum ergonomics, the first links of the tapering bracelet present a decreasing thickness, while the caseback is slightly embedded in the case middle to better sit on the wrist.
On the dial side, the golden or rhodium-toned applied gold “Audemars Piguet” signature, obtained through galvanic growth, is visible at 12 o’clock. It is complemented by facetted gold hour-markers and Royal Oak hands, all enhanced by luminescent material for optimum legibility in the dark.
A CAPTIVATING SMOKED BURGUNDY DIAL
The first of these two new models is entirely crafted in stainless steel for a sportier look. The grey of the steel is contrasted by a smoked burgundy dial. This vivid shade is achieved by applying a translucent tinted lacquer after decorating the dial with a sunburst finish to accentuate the colour’s radiance. Although simple in appearance, the combination of these finishes required extreme dexterity to fulfil the Manufacture’s exacting standards.
Matching with the watch’s body of stainless steel and contrasting with the burgundy dial, the applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands are crafted in 18-carat white gold for optimum legibility. They respond harmoniously to the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock that reveals some of the movement’s rhodium-toned components as it completes its full rotation in 60 seconds, reducing the effect of gravity on the watch’s accuracy.
WARM PINK GOLD AND IVORY HUES
The second model presents a refined 18-carat pink gold case and bracelet, a precious material also found on the hour-markers and Royal Oak hands, all enhanced by luminescent material.
The timepiece is complemented by a two-tone dial, offering a soft visual contrast. The centre of the dial displays a grey hue, achieved by galvanic deposition, while its sandblasting finishing adds a fine texture. The dial rim has an ivory colour, playing subtly with the watch’s grey and pink gold shades.
A REFINED FLYING TOURBILLON
Audemars Piguet launched its first flying tourbillon wristwatch in 2018 in the Royal Oak Concept collection. Today, these new Royal Oak models are powered by Calibre 2950, a selfwinding movement which combines a flying tourbillon with a central rotor. Measuring 6.2 mm in thickness, this mechanism operates at a 3 Hz frequency and has a power reserve of 65 hours.
Visible on both sides of the watch, the hand-finished flying tourbillon cage offers an unobstructed view of some of the watch’s regulating components. The sapphire caseback reveals the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight – rhodium toned for the steel version – while highlighting the movement’s refined decorations including Côtes de Genève, satin and sunray brushing, circular graining and hand-polished chamfers.
Blending technical performance with refined aesthetic, these Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon references reflect the brand’s age-old expertise, while offering varied and contemporary designs.
