Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph

Audemars Piguet’s new addition to its Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph collection is a 41mm design in 18-carat yellow gold, drawing inspiration from the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin model released for the collection’s 50th anniversary in 2022. This timepiece sports a yellow gold-toned Grande Tapisserie dial, enriched with a smoked gradient effect that elegantly contrasts with its gold counters, powered by the Calibre 4401 with a flyback function. This contemporary interpretation seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with the classic allure of yellow gold.

The dial of this new model radiates with a yellow gold tone, deepened by a smoked gradation that lends the Grande Tapisserie pattern—an array of finely crafted truncated pyramids—a captivating depth and luster. Achieved through meticulous handcrafting, this effect is the result of a black varnish applied from the dial’s edge to its center, demanding precision and skill for a flawless execution.

Accentuating the dial’s gradient are three gold-toned counters positioned strategically across its surface, complemented by applied hour-markers and central hands, all fashioned from 18-carat yellow gold and finished with luminescent coating for enhanced visibility. The minute scale, printed in white, contrasts strikingly against the dial’s darker periphery, while the 24-carat gold “Audemars Piguet” signature at 12 o’clock, electroplated with black rhodium, adds a distinguished touch. A date display between 4 and 5 o’clock integrates seamlessly into the dial’s design.

Reflecting on its heritage, the Royal Oak’s venture into yellow gold began in 1977, catering initially to a female audience with designs by Jacqueline Dimier. Since then, despite the rise and temporary eclipse by pink gold, yellow gold has made a resurgence, capturing the attention of luxury watch enthusiasts once more.

The 2024 Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph is sculpted entirely in 18-carat yellow gold, from its iconic octagonal bezel to the integrated bracelet, featuring a mix of satin-finished surfaces and mirror-polished chamfers that play with light, complemented by the polished white gold screws that punctuate the bezel, providing a striking visual contrast.

At the heart of this Royal Oak model beats the Calibre 4401, Audemars Piguet’s foremost integrated chronograph movement, distinguished by its column wheel and vertical clutch system. This combination enhances the chronograph’s precision while including a flyback function, allowing successive measurements without the need to stop and reset, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation. The movement’s complexity and the craftsmanship behind the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight are visible through the sapphire caseback, displaying the exquisite finishes that adorn the Calibre 4401.