Since its inception in the 1980s, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar watch has continued to evolve, developing a variety of models. Today, the Maison combines precious materials and bold colors with a new boutique-exclusive edition (26598BC.ZZ.1220BC.01). The new watch features a 41 mm 18K white gold case with a purple “Grande Tapisserie” dial and a baguette-cut diamond-set bezel.
The new watch is 41 mm in diameter and 9.5 mm thick. The case is made of 18K white gold and is brushed and polished. It is equipped with an anti-glare sapphire crystal mirror, a screw-in crown and a see-through case back, and has a water resistance of 20 meters. The 18K white gold bezel is fixed with eight hexagonal screws, which is the signature feature of the Royal Oak series. The top surface is inlaid with 32 baguette-cut diamonds, showing luxury.
The purple dial is engraved with “Grande Tapisserie” large grid decoration, with sub-dials of the same tone, as well as 18K white gold three-dimensional hour markers and Royal Oak hands. 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock are respectively equipped with date, moon phase, week and month and leap year displays, with a balanced layout and clear and easy to read. A central hand with a triangular arrow combines with numerals on the outer edge to indicate the current week number. If it is continuously wound, the perpetual calendar function does not require manual correction until 2100.
Through the see-through case back, you can appreciate the built-in Caliber 5134 movement. The movement is assembled from 374 parts, only 4.3mm thick, contains 38 jewels, has a vibration frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz), is equipped with a 22K gold skeleton rotor, and can provide a 40-hour power reserve. At the same time, the Caliber 5134 movement is also decorated with exquisite Geneva patterns and fish scale patterns.
The watch comes with an 18K white gold bracelet with an AP folding clasp. Additionally, it comes with a black rubber strap and a purple rubber strap.
Audemars Piguet ROYAL OAK JUMBO EXTRA-THIN 16202ST
The Royal Oak, the first of its kind in luxury sports watches, turns 50 this year, and for that reason alone, it deserves a spot on this list. It remains one of the most powerful designs in watchmaking history, penned by the late Gerald Genta in 1972. We all wonder what happens when AP announces that the 15202 will be discontinued. Well, it turns out that the new Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 16202ST is pretty faithful to its origins. The biggest change is the introduction of a new movement (with a special rotor only on its anniversary). The exterior changes are very subtle, with fine exterior touches here and there. But most importantly, it’s still what a Royal Oak should be.
39 mm stainless steel case, octagonal bezel – “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” petite checkered dial – white gold applied indexes and hands – AP Caliber 7121, self-winding – special 50 year rotor only available in 2022 – integrated stainless steel Bracelet with folding clasp – reference 16202ST.OO.1240ST.01
