Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked
This luxurious timepiece marries traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, offering a 57-hour power reserve in a slender 8.1 mm case. Share
In a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet recently unveiled the latest addition to the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked series (ref. 16204). Now encased in dazzling 18-carat yellow gold, this new rendition houses the groundbreaking Calibre 7124 movement, which is itself a marvel in both performance and aesthetics.
The Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin series has always stayed true to its roots, and this latest iteration is no exception. Crafted in an elegant 18-carat yellow gold body, the 8.1 mm-thick timepiece exhibits the same design philosophy as its original 1972 model. The gold tapering bracelet and 39 mm case are finished in an artful blend of satin brushing and polished chamfers, creating an optical play of light that elevates the watch to an objet d’art.
The colour scheme remains harmoniously consistent throughout, with the inner bezel and the movement’s open-worked bridges adopting a yellow-gold tone that complements the case and bracelet. The subtle addition of polished white gold hour markers and hands mimics the hexagonal screws of the bezel and the visible gear train. To add a splash of colour and depth, the movement’s jewels are made visible on the dial. And as a final touch, the Audemars Piguet signature is elegantly printed in black on the sapphire crystal, adding a layer of distinguished branding.
Inside this beauty is an equally impressive beast—the self-winding Calibre 7124. Designed with precision, this ultra-thin movement measures a mere 2.7 mm in thickness. Tailored by Audemars Piguet’s engineers to fit perfectly within the 8.1 mm “Jumbo” case, the movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and offers a substantial 57-hour power reserve.
What sets Calibre 7124 apart is not just its impressive technical specs, but also its intricate openworked architecture. Every component, every geometry was meticulously designed to achieve a well-balanced, harmonious aesthetic. The manufacture leveraged state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) machining techniques to achieve the preliminary forms of the mainplate and bridges. This was followed by detailed hand-finishing, leading to the creation of 247 polished V-shaped angles, a testament to the manufacture’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
This complex process required the hands of highly skilled artisans who applied traditional Haute Horlogerie techniques, such as traits tirés, snailing, and polished chamfers, to each component. The movement also features an openworked oscillating weight in yellow-gold plated 22-carat pink gold, bringing an additional layer of complexity and luxury to an already exquisite timepiece.
Audemars Piguet’s new Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked stands as an example of how time-honoured craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation can co-exist. From its striking 18-carat yellow gold case to the intricate Calibre 7124 within, this watch is indeed a new gold standard in horology.
