Audemars Piguet best suddenly released a large number of new styles the day before yesterday, almost completely without notice, killing everyone by surprise may be a little bit ignorant of martial arts, but seeing the styles they brought out will definitely make you swallow the murmur that you just spit in your mouth. This year 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak series. In addition to the retirement of the popular model 15202, the successor model that everyone was looking forward to as early as last year was released: the new generation Royal Oak series 39mm “Jumbo” ultra-thin watch, model 16202, Equipped with the new Audemars Piguet 7121 self-winding ultra-thin movement, available in stainless steel, platinum, 18K rose gold and 18K yellow gold.
Model 16202 Four materials
Steel, Platinum, Gold & Rose Gold
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 50th Anniversary 16202ST.OO.1240ST.01 Watch
The one closest to the original is the “Jumbo” stainless steel case style 16202ST, adhering to the design features of the original Royal Oak series in 1972. The stainless steel case and strap are hand satin-finished and polished and chamfered. Cloud Night Blue 50″ shade and “Petite Tapisserie” small check surface. The special blue is produced by electroplating, and the “cloud” in the hue name describes the cloudy rendering effect that occurs when the black pigment comes into contact with the protective paint.
In addition, the watch also uses the original 1972 “bathtub” (called “Baignoire” in French)-shaped hour markers and hands, which can be injected with fluorescent materials to make it easier to read. The surface also retains the original design, with a polished 18K gold three-dimensional “AP” logo at 6 o’clock, and the words “AUDEMARS PIGUET AUTOMATIC” at 12 o’clock. In the mid-1980s, the “SWISS MADE” (Swiss Made) logo, which replaced the “SWISS” (Swiss) word, remains at 6 o’clock. feel.
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 50th Anniversary 16202BA.OO.1240BA.01 Watch
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 50th Anniversary 16202OR.OO.1240OR.01 Watch
The two new colors are 16202BA in 18K gold and 16202OR in 18K rose gold. The former has a smoky yellow dial that brings brilliance to the 18K yellow gold model, while the latter’s novel smoky gray finish contrasts with the 18K rose gold model. On the turntable, while rotating, the outer edge is carefully painted to create a smoky effect.
Finally, the fourth, the AP House limited edition 16202PT, features a hand-finished 950 platinum case with a sun-patterned smoky green finish for an elegant contrast. The same material and color scheme will also be launched in 2021, 15202PT. Since it is one of the very few Royal Oak styles that does not use a plaid face plate, plus the striking green face, although the platinum material is expensive, there are still many powerful collectors. Interested, this time also joined the ranks of the 16202 family.
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 50th Anniversary 16202PT.OO.1240PT.01 Watch
No more tears of the times
Equipped with 7121 new movement
7121 self-winding movement, diameter 29.6 mm, thickness 3.2 mm, the number of parts is 268, the minimum guaranteed dynamic reserve is 55 hours, and the vibration frequency is 28,800 times per hour.
This is the first time since 1972 that the Royal Oak “Jumbo” ultra-thin watch is equipped with a new movement. The Audemars Piguet 7121 self-winding movement with time, minutes and date display functions, accompanied by the new reference 16202 “Jumbo” watch. Looking back to 1972, the 2121 movement, which came out with the Royal Oak series, was the thinnest movement in the world at that time with a central automatic dial and a date display. The thickness was only 3.05 mm, and it was regarded as a classic model for decades.
However, after all, it is a model 50 years ago, and the current watchmaking technology is no longer the same, so with the 2121 also successfully retired, it was replaced by the 7121 movement. The thickness of the new 7121 movement is only 3.2 mm, which can be perfectly incorporated into a case with a thickness of 8.1 mm, and most importantly, a quick date adjustment device has been added. And it takes 24 grids to move forward one day), and now you can quickly adjust to the desired date by pulling out the crown.
2022 limited
50th Anniversary Exclusive Automatic Disc
The 50th anniversary automatic disc will be a feature of all Royal Oak Anniversary models launched in 2022.
The 7121 movements of the four 16202 models are all equipped with a 22K gold 50th anniversary exclusive automatic disc, which not only presents the 50th anniversary logo through hollowing skills, but also engraves the Audemars Piguet logo. The anniversary model features an automatic dial in the same colour as the case, a refined match usually reserved for complication watches. Like the case, the automatic dial is satin-finished and polished and chamfered alternately for added beauty. The 50th anniversary automatic disc will also feature on all Royal Oak Anniversary models launched in 2022.
In addition to the special anniversary-limited automatic dial, the 7121 movement seems to have more secrets. For example, the span bridge of the balance wheel and some of the gears are rose gold, and the mainspring barrel roll car is also specially equipped with rose gold bridges and three ruby bearings. The stability and smoothness of the release power should also bring improvements. The material and structure of the details need more information from the brand. After all, Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary has only just begun! I believe that the future is even more exciting.
