March is traditionally an exciting month for watch enthusiasts. In the before times, we would be getting a peek at all the novelties coming out of Baselworld. And though the community still can’t congregate in the usual way, it’s comforting to know that brands are still advancing their lineups.
What’s more, 2021 feels more thrilling than usual. We have seen exciting updates from big brands (like the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A385 and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36) and cult favorites (like the DOXA SUB 300 carbon COSC). And now Audemars Piguet has energized its Royal Oak collection with several new emerald-hued dials.
Audemars Piguet has just announced several new Royal Oak models enriched with green dials. The launch includes a 950 platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin with a smoked green dial embellished with a sunburst pattern and a limited-edition Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph with an 18-karat yellow gold case and green “Grande Tapisserie” dial. Lastly, the manufacture also presented three new Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon variants in pink gold or titanium, all of which incorporate green dials.
One of the most exciting developments in watchmaking at this moment is that it feels like brands are listening to their buyers. That is why we have seen so many reimaginings of emblematic timepieces like the Royal Oak. Enthusiasts want a high-performance watch that will still stand out from other pieces in their collection.
Audemars Piguet first employed jewel-toned dials in brown, green, and blue tones back in the 1970s. And these lively and expressive dials have only gained popularity at auction and in the secondary market, bringing them back feels super relevant. Plus, we could all indulge in a little color therapy these days.
These emerald-themed Royal Oaks tick all the boxes in many other ways. The smokey green sunburst dial of the “Jumbo” Extra-Thin is framed by a 950 platinum case and bracelet and marks the first time this configuration has appeared in the 15202 collection. It may be called “Jumbo,” but it measures 39mm in diameter and 8.10mm in thickness for a super slim silhouette.Additionally, the green dial accentuates white gold applied hour-markers, and the signature Royal Oak hands are treated with luminescent coating for legibility in dim light. The Audemars Piguet logo is positioned below 12 o’clock, while the AP initials are located at 6 o’clock, as “Jumbo” convention dictates.
At the heart of the watch is the selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 2121 fitted with a 22-karat gold oscillating weight. Functions include hours, minutes, and date.
Audemars Piguet also updated the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph with a new colorway, matching a gorgeous green “Grande Tapisserie” pattern with an 18-karat yellow gold case. This face offers a lot of texture to talk about, like the three snailed counters with alternating brushed surfaces and polished accents. But the most interesting effect of the texture is how the raised squares of the tapisserie dial enrich the green finish. The 18-karat yellow gold case also magnifies this lustrous effect. Housed in a 41mm case, this version of the Royal Oak is powered by the selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 2385, which includes an 18-karat gold oscillating weight. In addition to its chronograph function, the movement indicates the hours, minutes, small seconds, and date.
Limited to 125 pieces, this model has a solid caseback engraved with “Limited Edition.” These details aren’t reinventing the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph, but they are remaking the way we look at luxury.Finally, along with the yellow gold bracelet and AP folding clasp, the model comes with two additional straps – green calfskin and green rubber – so you can pretty much wear it in any situation.
Enthusiasts also enjoy a good story to go along with their timepieces. And this trio of new limited edition Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillons showcases the history of the house’s haute horlogerie artisans by using the brand’s unique hand-finishing and gem-setting skills to light up your list.
Each iteration is presented in a 41mm case and endowed with a green tapisserie dial laid out in a sunburst pattern.
The first reference comes in an 18-karat pink gold case with matching hour-markers and hands. This model is limited to just 10 pieces. The no-frills second model, a limited edition of 50 pieces, and the opulent third model, limited to 15 pieces, are crafted from titanium.
The third version marries the light titanium case with an 18-karat white gold bezel set with 2.41 carats of baguette-cut emeralds. And each of these 32 stones is cut, faceted, and set by hand. Moreover, the emeralds’ verdant tones enrich the green tint of the tapisserie dial, presenting an unparalleled play of light.Both titanium models incorporate white gold applied hour-makers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, and both are complemented with a titanium bracelet.
All three iterations of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon are equipped with Manufacture Calibre 2950, the most recent generation of the Audemars Piguet flying tourbillon. Unlike a conventional tourbillon, this mechanism foregoes the upper bridge to provide a better view of the escapement, regulating organ, and cage while in action.