Audemars Piguet’s new-generation 7121 ultra-thin automatic movement Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary is the key to the future

After Audemars Piguet announced in 2021 that it would discontinue the most popular model of the Royal Oak, the 15202, this year – the 50th anniversary of the Royal series – announced that a new generation of the 16202 will be the successor model. For watch lovers who love Royal Oak fake watches, the most gratifying thing is that the 16202 faithfully preserves the design elements and appearance of the previous generation 15202, or even the more classic first-generation Royal Oak 5402, because it has been upgraded to a brand new one. The developed 7121 movement makes this classic, which has stood for half a century, with a more modern practical functional connotation.

Speaking of this, I have to introduce the 7121 movement. This new generation of ultra-thin automatic movement developed by Audemars Piguet for 5 years is the key core of the 16202 facelift and upgrade. Because watch lovers have always been sensitive to the change of the model, especially for a series that has not changed its movement in the past 50 years, how should the wearer clearly feel the functional upgrade after the change, and at the same time maintain The familiar classic appearance and wearing feel are the important factors that Audemars Piguet fake considered when developing the 7121 movement.

The brand-new model 16202 is launched this year, including stainless steel with blue dial, 18K gold with smoked gold dial, rose gold with smoked gray dial, and platinum with smoked green dial, a total of 4 styles. The diameter of the case is 39mm and the thickness is 8.1mm. The size of the case is exactly the same as that of the previous generation 15202. Other design elements are only slightly adjusted, but the biggest change is actually in the case.

The Royal Oak series that came out in 1972, from the first model 5402 launched to the model 15202, which was discontinued last year, has been equipped with the same 2121 movement for 50 years. The 2121 movement was developed on the basis of the Jaeger-LeCoultre 902 movement, which was born in the late 1960s, with a thickness of only 3.05mm. However, since the 2121 movement adopts the ancient movement structure of the 1960s, some functions, including the accuracy of 19,800vph, the power reserve of 40 hours, and the date display lacking the quick adjustment function, can no longer fully meet the needs of modern people. daily use needs.

Therefore, Audemars Piguet took the 50th anniversary of Royal Oak as an opportunity to launch the new Royal Oak “Jumbo” model 16202. The new 7121 caliber equipped with it not only means that the 2121 caliber that has stood for half a century has left the scene, it has the meaning of inheriting the past. The more substantive purpose is to transform the Royal Oak watch into a more modern watch that is closer to the new generation of users, while preparing for further use in the future.

Core Architecture Upgrade

The most significant upgrade of the new Royal Oak “Jumbo” model 16202 is that it is equipped with the latest 7121 automatic movement. Compared with the 2121 movement carried by the previous model 15202, it is quite impressive whether it is a visual or functional improvement. The first is the first impression of the appearance of the 7121 movement, which are two opposite golden cross-bridge hollow bridges, which respectively fix the balance wheel and the barrel. Not only does it bring a more modern visual impression, but the structural function is also more stable than the 2121 movement.

Then it comes to the most obvious and core architecture upgrade for users. Including the increase of the vibration frequency from 19,800 vph to 28,800 vph, and the increase of the power reserve from 40 hours to 55 hours, which could not be achieved simultaneously under the dynamic conditions of the 2121 movement in the past. Audemars Piguet first used a larger barrel in the 7121 movement as a power source for the long-term and accurate supply of the movement, followed by a ball bearing automatic disc, and a more efficient satellite wheel-type two-way winding. mechanism to improve the efficiency of the chain.

Another detail is the part of the balance wheel. The 2121 movement adopts the design concept of a card-free balance wheel adjusted with 6 weights. The new 7121 movement further sets 6 adjustment weights on the balance. The inner side of the wheel can maintain the smooth outline of the outer edge of the balance wheel, so as to reduce the air resistance generated during high-speed operation, and improve the working efficiency to reduce energy consumption.

The classic appearance remains unchanged and the practicality is improved

In addition, it is about the 7121 movement to improve the user experience. The Royal Oak “Jumbo” is a watch with three needles and a date. For users, there is often a need to adjust the date, but the date fast adjustment function There is no movement structure in the 1960s used by the 2121 movement, so when users need to adjust the date for multiple days, they can only do it through a more time-consuming time adjustment. The patented ultra-thin energy-saving date setting mechanism is added to the new 7121 movement, which not only meets the needs of users, but also takes into account the kinetic energy demand of ultra-thin movement to reduce energy consumption.

In addition to the functional upgrade, another key point of Audemars Piguet’s development of the 7121 movement is to maintain the classic appearance proportion and wearing feel of the Royal Oak “Jumbo”, and the size of the movement is the key. As described above, the evolution of many functional upgrades from the 2121 movement to the 7121 movement is bound to increase the complexity of the movement. However, because of the modern movement design and watchmaking technology, although the total number of parts has increased from 247 to 268, the size of the movement has only slightly increased from 28.4mm to 29.6mm, and the thickness has increased from 3.05mm to 29.6mm. 3.2mm, perfectly controlled within the allowable range, was able to successfully fit into the classic Royal Oak “Jumbo” case with a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 8.1mm. This also confirms Audemars Piguet’s strong strength in movement technology. fake watches for sale

FP JOURNE LINESPORT CENTRIGRAPHE

When dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s inappropriate to order a fine example of haute cuisine and kill it with Heinz ketchup. Likewise, dangling furry dice from a Bentley’s rearview mirror is out of place. Unparalleled creation should be respected.

Close to Geneva’s retail boulevards and seemingly far from the shopper’s world, this is a sanctuary for those with a discerning temperament. FP Journe cheap is headquartered in Rue de l’Arquebuse. The company’s premises serve three purposes: it holds the administrative functions of the company, it is a boutique, and most importantly, it hosts some of the finest watchmaking that can be found anywhere on the planet.

As the heavy door opened for me, I was warmly received by my host, and I entered a familiar world. At least twice a year, I make a pilgrimage to FP Journe’s highly regarded watchmaking factory. The walls are adorned with horological artifacts and books, while light floods the spacious room, providing the most discerning eye with a means of seeing the remarkable quality up close. Along with the many visual spectacles among me, there is a soothing soundtrack of ticks and ticks. Luxurious furniture, optimally positioned around the room, exudes sophistication. Wearing a casual suit, I feel well dressed and ready to rate the new FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe.

The FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe is now available in platinum or 18 karat 6N yellow gold. The chosen case material determines the tone of the dial. 18-karat 6N yellow gold case with “ruthenium-plated” silver guilloché dial. The latter treatment fills the dial with shades of grey.

Matte 5N gold hands effectively display the hours and minutes. Their curvaceous lines fit with FP Journe’s tried-and-true design language and successfully combine functionality and beauty with radiant effects.

No aspect of the FP Journe timepiece is perfunctory, and that includes the indexes. Applied Roman numerals, made of 18 karat 6N gold to convey the message with incredible balance. The high-end brand has skillfully manipulated the digital scales to inject another oomph into the dial. The white chemin de fer follows tradition and makes reading meeting minutes easier.

However, I’m saving this for last. Positioned center stage, the three chronographs, combined with the mirror-polished frame, have equal prominence. Each register is the same size, with silver guilloche and slim red hands. 20-second counter at 2 o’clock, 10-minute counter at 6 o’clock and 1-second counter at 10 o’clock. The latter indication gets the most attention, making a frantic detour every second.

This remarkable chronograph can measure elapsed time to an incredible 1/100th of a second. Furthermore, it can display this information in a highly legible, easily interpretable form.

case

FPJourne chose to house the watch in a case made from 18 karat 6N gold. This gives the watch a distinctive red hue that surpasses even the ebullient performance of the more commonly used 5N red gold. This shade gives the FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe an amazing aesthetic look.

The bezel elegantly blends black and gold tones, while the crown at 4 o’clock lives up to another of the brand’s legendary design codes.

At 2 o’clock, a patented rocker mechanism starts, stops and resets the chronograph. While some brands are obsessed with chronograph precision, they seem to forget the importance of the wearer’s interaction with the putter. The joystick is more intuitive to use than normal buttons, so the time from observing an event to starting the chronograph is shorter, providing a more accurate measurement of elapsed time. François-Paul Journe has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to see details overlooked by his contemporaries.

Apart from the highly polished vertical sides, the bracelet has a matte finish. Once again, this subtle detailing sets this watch apart from competing watches, but without sacrificing beauty and taste.

The Calibre 1506 is a hand-wound movement that can be seen through the exhibition caseback. As with most of FPJourne’s movements, it is crafted in 18-karat rose gold.

Any FP Journe movement has two things in common: technical prowess and finishing. The Calibre 1506 installed on the FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe continued this reputation.

François-Paul Journe chose to equip the chronograph with its own drive train, driven directly by the mainspring. When starting many chronographs, the amplitude of the balance wheel decreases, reducing accuracy. Calibre 1506 has two independent trains, which solves this problem, ensuring that the time indication is not affected. When the chronograph is inactive, the watch has a power reserve of 80 hours. When the chronograph is running, it goes down to 24 hours.

The Monsieur Journe is also equipped with a movement with a free-spring balance. By adjusting the four masses mounted on the spokes of the balance wheel, a competent watchmaker is able to change the moment of inertia, increasing/decreasing the ratio. This provides superior precision compared to common curb adjusters.

Gold is one of the least reactive metals in existence, so it does not corrode easily. However, most watchmakers avoid this material because it is so soft that it is easy to mark with random tools. Nonetheless, the punctual watchmakers at FP Journe clearly operate the tools with dexterity and composure. Clearly, FP Journe watches are designed to last for generations. high quality replica watches

Côtes de Genève pattern and gold-engraved text on the plywood. The baseplate features a pearl pattern and the crown wheel features a sunburst pattern. Each screw head is polished, gleaming, and has a chamfered groove. The nails have polished rounded ends.

Viewing the movement through the sapphire crystal, every visible jewel, pin and screw is housed in a polished sink. The dip provides a gleaming edge between the deck and the sides. Every element of the movement has an extraordinary look.

My love for the FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe is obvious. I have considered every element of this watch and can’t seem to find a fault. It offers the ownership experience that most self-respecting enthusiasts should aspire to experience.

In fact, the term “experience” seems most apt when entering the realm of FP Journe and its esteemed founder, François-Paul Journe. There is a sense of occasion. The watch sits on a gorgeous brown tray, the timepiece is always handled with gloves, and a magnifying glass is provided to see every square millimeter of perfection. best quality replica watches

I’ve never taken a “wrist photo” of an FP Journe watch because it looks almost disrespectful. These watches, like the peerless pieces I mentioned earlier, deserve respect. In fact, the next time I go to the company’s boutique, I’ll probably consider wearing a black tie suit.

Technical Specifications

Model: FP Journe LineSport Centrigraphe
Reference: CT2
Case: 18-karat 6N gold; diameter 44mm; height 10.95mm; sapphire crystal and sapphire case back
Functions: hours; minutes; chronograph
Movement: Calibre 1506; hand-wound movement; frequency 21,600 VpH (3Hz); 50 jewels; power reserve 80 hours chronograph idle / 24 hours chronograph running
Strap: 18-carat 6N gold bracelet with adjustable folding clasp