Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked
The unveiling of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in sand gold is a symphonic celebration, marrying AP's design language with the novel allure of sand gold. Share
Audemars Piguet has launched a novel iteration of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked encased in an innovative 18k alloy known as “sand gold.” This new entry in the Royal Oak lineage retains the hallmark 41mm case size and 10.6mm thickness of its stainless steel precursor unveiled in 2022 but introduces the unique hue and material properties of sand gold.
Sand gold, distinguished by its blend of pure gold, copper, and palladium, offers a warm yet subdued colour that fluctuates between rose and white gold depending on the lighting. This unique colour profile aims to provide a more nuanced and less saturated alternative to traditional rose gold alloys, aligning with preferences for a more understated warmth in metal aesthetics. The alloy’s name, inspired by the luminescent qualities of sand dunes under sunlight, speaks to its distinctive appearance and the innovative approach Audemars Piguet takes towards material design in horology.
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked features a case and integrated bracelet meticulously crafted from sand gold, accentuated by the Royal Oak’s iconic octagonal bezel, fastened with eight white gold screws. The design includes a signed crown at 3 o’clock, flat sapphire crystals on both the dial side and case back, and offers water resistance up to 50 meters, safeguarding the watch against everyday exposure to water.
At the heart of this exquisite timepiece is the skeletonized Caliber 2972 automatic movement, operating at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) and offering a power reserve of about 65 hours. Unlike its stainless steel counterpart, the Caliber 2972 in the sand gold version undergoes a sand gold galvanic treatment for the bridges, harmoniously integrating with the watch’s overall aesthetic. This treatment is complemented by rhodium-plated components and a 22k pink gold rotor, also finished in rhodium, enhancing the two-tone visual depth of the movement.
The open-worked design, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet’s craft, allows for an unobstructed view of the internal mechanics, including the prominent flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, serving as a captivating focal point. The lack of a traditional dial redirects attention to the intricacies of the movement, with the brand’s logo printed on the underside of the crystal to maintain the symmetrical and uncluttered visual flow. Priced at 250,000 CHF, approximately USD 285,000, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in sand gold is a limited edition, luxurious addition to Audemars Piguet’s ongoing collection.
