Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar John Mayer Limited Edition
This exclusive timepiece, limited to just 200 pieces, marries the technical prowess of the manufacture’s self-winding Calibre 5134 with the artistic vision of Mayer. Share
In an exciting coming together of horological artistry and musical creativity, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has announced a collaboration with American singer, guitarist, and renowned watch collector John Mayer. This partnership has birthed the latest iteration of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, a remarkable limited edition timepiece encapsulated in 18-carat white gold. This model will continue to carry on the enduring legacy of the Royal Oak, enriched with the sophistication of the perpetual calendar complication and powered by the Manufacture’s self-winding Calibre 5134.
This distinctive timepiece, limited to 200 pieces, is a merger of Audemars Piguet’s technical mastery and Mayer’s artistic sensibility—marking the culmination of the Calibre 5134’s illustrious journey. Initially launched in 2015, this calibre adapted the traditional perpetual calendar movement to a more contemporary 41mm case diameter while maintaining its remarkably thin profile at 4.3mm.
The Calibre 5134 is a direct descendant of the Calibre 2120/2800, introduced in 1978 as the world’s thinnest self-winding perpetual calendar movement, signalling a pivotal moment in the quartz crisis by reviving interest in mechanical complications.
John Mayer’s role in this collaboration extends beyond that of a mere muse as he has actively contributed to the design process, infusing the watch with a unique aesthetic inspired by the night sky. The dial, reminiscent of a crystal-laden celestial expanse, features an embossed motif of irregular shapes that mimic crystals. This intricate design was achieved through an advanced electroforming process, a method that constructs the stamping die atom by atom to ensure unparalleled precision and detail. Mayer’s vision was to encapsulate the infinite expanse and natural beauty of the cosmos, pairing it with the technical elegance of the perpetual calendar.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition is a nod to Audemars Piguet’s rich history of openworking—a technique that intricately removes material from each component, enhancing the movement’s visibility without compromising its function. This craftsmanship highlights the complexity and beauty of the Calibre 5134, showcasing the movement’s barrel, escapement, and gear train through meticulous finishing and decoration.
The collaboration between Audemars Piguet and John Mayer is emblematic of the watchmaker’s tradition of engaging with individuals who excel in their respective fields. Mayer, a seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and an avid watch collector, brings a unique perspective to this partnership. His deep appreciation for complex timepieces and creative input has culminated in a timepiece that is both a technical marvel and a piece of ‘timekeeping’ art.
