Audemars Piguet celebrates Royal Oak anniversary with new movement and updated design
To celebrate the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, the Le Brassus-based brand has outfitted the 39mm “Jumbo” with a new movement and updated the design of the entire collection.
So it started. Audemars Piguet kicks off its Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary by announcing a series of new arrivals to commemorate Gérald Genta’s 1972 game-changing design legacy and lay a solid foundation for the watchmaking icon’s future The prelude to the celebration.
In fact, Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias commented yesterday in a private virtual media viewing of the new release that this is just the beginning of the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary celebrations. More new releases and more events will be scheduled this year
More specifically, the version released yesterday features more than four years of new movements and new design tweaks, and improves the overall look, performance and wear resistance of the collection. Let’s see!
New movement for the 39mm “Jumbo”
First, fake Audemars Piguet announced a new 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” ultra-slim, ref. 16202, the new self-winding Calibre 7121 with AP, the first movement upgrade since the introduction of the Jumbo in 1972. It replaced the Calibre 2121, which was finally retired late last year.
The collection includes four models, each featuring a case material that has historically made iconic the Royal Oak: stainless steel, 950 platinum, 18K rose gold and 18K yellow gold.
Each has a sapphire caseback, revealing a new mechanism decorated with Côtes de Genève as well as straight and circular graining. In addition, it features a 50th anniversary automatic rotor in 22K gold, treated to match the tone of the case material.
The new movement is only 3.2mm thick and the case is only 8.1mm thick. Compared to its predecessor, the 7121 has a larger two-way winding barrel, providing a longer power reserve (now 55 hours instead of 40 hours). Additionally, the drive lever has a quick date corrector.
According to Michael Friedman, head of complications at Audemars Piguet and brand historian, the 7121 offers a more modern movement architecture.
The aesthetics of the original Jumbo are also respected, starting with the Tapisserie dial in Bleu Nuit Nuage 50 (stainless steel version), smoky grey (rose gold version) or smoked gold (gold version). Meanwhile, the platinum version features a radial smoked green dial.
Luminous-filled baignoire or bathtub-shaped indexes and hands are also inherited from the original 1972 model. The same goes for the polished gold AP monogram at 6 o’clock and the inscription “Audemars Piguet Automatic” at 12 o’clock. Likewise, the “Swiss Made” marker – which replaced “Swiss” in the 1980s – remains at 6 o’clock.
Except for the new reference. 16202, the brand also introduced the new 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” ultra-thin cutout, ref. 16204. With stainless steel or rose gold case, equipped with Calibre 7124, Audemars Piguet’s new dedicated ultra-thin skeleton movement.
Experiencing “Design Evolution”
More exciting news is that, in the brand’s words, several Royal Oak models in 34mm, 37mm, 38mm and 41mm have undergone “design evolution” in terms of case, bracelet and dial.
We’ll take a look at the models later on with their aesthetic updates, but first, let’s take a look at the subtle but perceptible design tweaks made to improve the Royal Oak’s ergonomics and give it a more modern look.
First, the bevels that adorn the top and bottom of the case are now larger, giving the watch a slimmer look and adding to the effect of light reflections. At the same time, the case back is more integrated into the middle of the case for a better fit on the wrist.
Additionally, the first four links of the integrated bracelet are now trapezoidal, adding to the taper of the bracelet. Throughout the bracelet, the links are thinner and lighter for added comfort. fake watch for sale
As for the hour markers and hands, Audemars Piguet unified their dimensions. Additionally, the applied AP monogram and the printed “Audemars Piguet” at 12 o’clock have been replaced by a three-dimensional “Audemars Piguet” signature in gold.
New Date and Chronograph Models
The first watches to feature the new design aesthetic are the self-winding hours, minutes, seconds and date models in 37mm stainless steel or rose gold cases, partially set with diamonds. They feature the new self-winding Calibre 5900 and a range of coloured strap dials that now have a minute track on the strap itself instead of a flat outer area
Likewise, the new 38mm self-winding chronograph is available with the Calibre 2385 and the 41mm version with the Calibre 4401, the latest generation of flyback chronograph movements introduced last year.
Powered by the 4401 are also two new 41mm self-winding chronographs in brushed 18K white gold or yellow gold, with large fine crepe dials that match the tone of the case and contrast with the black chronograph counters.
Also, for all these new date and chronograph references, the scale of the hour markers has been standardized for different case diameters.
New Flying Tourbillon
The stainless steel case of the first 41mm Royal Oak Self-winding Skeleton Flying Tourbillon watch also features a refined case design. It is powered by the brand’s first skeletonized self-winding flying tourbillon movement, the Calibre 2972.
Meanwhile, the dials and cases of the three new 41mm Royal Oak Automatic Flying Tourbillons – available in stainless steel, titanium and 18K rose gold with Calibre 2950 – also benefit from the uniqueness of the case and dial. Retrofit.
Updated 34mm royal oak automatic winding black ceramic
As for the last Royal Oak, currently, Audemars Piguet has slightly improved the 34mm Royal Oak automatic movement in black ceramic. At the same time, the design of the case remains unchanged. However, its black dial benefits from a new Royal Oak dial design.
Code 11:59 Sparkling
Finally, in non-Royal Oak news, Audemars Piguet announces two new 41mm tonal Code 11.59 models, presented by Audemars Piguet in 18K white and rose gold, set with 1,085 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.99 carats .
Last but not least, there is also a new Code 11.59 Perpetual Calendar watch with an 18K white gold case and a blue aventurine dial with a textured rubber-coated strap.
