Audemars Piguet has just rolled out three new Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked models, available in black ceramic, stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold.
Audemars Piguet has been a leader in openwork artistry since the 1930s. Building on its capabilities over the last century or so, the brand might have just peaked in its skeleton-crafting skills.
The Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked has been a collector’s model since 2016. This year, AP introduces a new dimension to its craftsmanship, improving stability, precision and aesthetics all at once.
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Measuring in at 41mm, the latest trilogy of Royal Oak models comes in stainless steel, black ceramic and 18-carat yellow gold cases and matching bracelets.
All versions have contrasting tones that draw the eye to the simply mesmerising skeleton. The steel and black ceramic versions are paired with pink gold openworked displays which lift the cases and make them feel like a whole new concept.
Plenty of material has been removed so light can illuminate the entire movement. With such an impressive movement on display, it’s been known for hour and minute hands to get lost in the detail. Not this time. Audemars Piguet has added a luminescent insert to the hands, for visibility against the skeleton.
Of course, some things never change. The new Royal Oak embodies all of its usual iconic features, like the octagonal bezel with eight screws and integrated bracelet.
Up-close and personal
- Size: 41mm
- Thickness: 9.9mm
- Water-resistance: 50m
- Calibre: 3132 (consists of 245 assembled parts and 38 jewels)
- Autonomy: 45 hours
- RRP: £66, 300
A novel approach to the double balance wheel
Having two balance wheels improves chronometric precision – and looks incredible. But it has been done before. Both by Audemars Piguet with its Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Reference 15407, and with other brands.
But this time, the new Audemars Piguet has both balance wheels and two hairsprings positioned on the same axis. The move demanded more complex manufacturing, but meant the weight was evenly distributed to minimise friction. The outcome: Greater precision and stability.
“The new patented geometry involves a very complex manufacturing procedure, but the payoff is huge: greatly improved precision and stability.” - Audemars Piguet
Own a Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
There are only 150 black ceramic pieces in this collection. And, although the stainless steel and yellow gold versions aren’t limited, we already know they won’t be easy to find, either.
Bring Trilogy Jewellers on your journey to buy an Audemars Piguet. We’ve got a sourcing service and global connections that mean we can usually track down even the rarest and most in-demand timepieces.
To get your hands on a Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, or any other luxury timepiece, get in touch.
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