50 years is an important anniversary for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. One of the updated models is the Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon, with three new additions to the collection: one in rose gold, one in stainless steel and one in titanium.
The first two have a plain smoked blue dial with the Grande Tapisserie motif, while the third has a matte blue dial. Each new model is powered by the calibre 2950, which debuted in 2020, with a power reserve of 65 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Only now, on the back of the movement is a special gold oscillating weight with the “50 Years” logo, bringing attention to the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary on the agenda.
This watch features design improvements aimed at improving its appearance. Improvements include wider bevels on the case and bracelet to better emphasise the effect of light on the surface; first link thickness on the one-piece bracelet is tapered to emphasise slimness for a more comfortable fit; slightly cut A sapphire crystal case back to better fit the wearer’s wrist; and hour markers and hands with new proportions that are more in harmony with the dial. Despite the changes, the watch still measures 41 x 10.6 mm, the same as the existing self-winding tourbillon. Audemars Piguet fake
The Audemars Piguet lettering on the dial is made from a thin layer of 24-karat gold using a galvanic growth process that the Associated Press describes as a chemical process similar to 3D printing. The letters are connected by thin chains that are hard to see with the naked eye. They are then attached to the dial with the help of the shank. Originally, the method of appending letters was developed for Audemars Piguet’s Code 11:59 series. The updated tourbillon looks great, as do the existing models that people are already lining up to buy.
Specifications Audemars Piguet Automatic Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon
Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.0 1 (18k rose gold); 26730ST.OO.1320ST.01 (stainless steel); 26730TI.OO.1320TI.01 (titanium).
Frame 41 x 10.6 mm, gold, steel, titanium. Waterproof to 50 meters
Clock face blue, luminous indices.
One bracelet Stainless steel, titanium, 18k rose gold
Mechanism Automatic, Calibre 2950. Functions: hours, minutes, tourbillon. Power reserve 65 hours. Balanced frequency 21,600 vph, 27 jewels.
