The oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families (Audemars and Piguet) based in Le Brassus continuously embrace new skills and techniques to set rule-breaking trends, creating numerous masterpieces, testament to the Manufacture’s ancestral savoir-faire and forward-thinking spirit. Today, the brand unveils a part of them, letting us see the timepieces to be launched in the first six months of 2023 and whitness a historical moment with the Royal Oak Offshore 30th anniversary kickoff.

SIX NEW CODE 11.59 MODELS IN STAINLESS STEEL AND A NEW DESIGN

A new evolution in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection continues to stand at the crossroads between technical modernity and ancestral craftsmanship. Six new versions of its Code 11.59 Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph in 41 mm use stainless steel for the very first time, of which four come entirely in steel, while other two combine a black ceramic case middle with a steel bezel, lugs and case back, also featuring new dials with a pattern that has been specifically created for the collection. They come in three timeless shades that reinforce the collection’s elegant and intricate aesthetic, each dial tone being paired with a matching rubber strap decorated with a textile pattern and lined with calf leather. Driven by the latest-generation movements: Calibre 4302 with a seconds and date indication and Calibre 4401, an integrated selfwinding chronograph movement with a column wheel and flyback function, the timepieces will be available in Audemars Piguet boutiques and at selected retailers worldwide from April 2023.

ROYAL OAK “JUMBO” EXTRA-THIN

The new Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin model features a new grained dial, in a limited edition  powered by the Calibre 7121. This new model continues the historical thread of the eponymous collection. Its grained dial is inspired by a model created in 1992 for the 20^th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection to enrich the platinum reference 14802 and complement the collection’s historical motifs. The latest ultra-thin movement was introduced in January 2022 for the 50^th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The Calibre 7121 is the result of five years of research and development and indicates the hours, minutes, seconds and date with a power reserve of 55 hours that is obtained thanks to a larger barrel than its predecessor. The date features a flat, energy-saving mechanism with a new rapid corrector that has been patented. This new 39 mm iteration comes with a white gold case and bracelet and will be available exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques.

ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING FEATURING A TURQUOISE DIAL

The new version of Audemars Piguet’s 37 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model is entirely crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and is illuminated by a natural turquoise dial. Cut to form a slender disc, the turquoise has then been ground, sandblasted and polished before being integrated into a gilded brass outer casing. The overall thickness is just 0.75 mm. Each dial is one of a kind because every stone has its own natural composition, texture and colour, thus reacting differently to different machining operations or finishes.

Already used by the Egyptian and Chinese civilisations more than 3,000 years ago, turquoise is among the world’s oldest stones. This combination of historical heritage and vibrant colour makes it one of the jewellery industry’s most precious and sought-after gems. It is also reputed to have many spiritual benefits while bringing health, good luck and protection.

Equipped with the latest selfwinding hour, minute, seconds and date movement from the Manufacture, Calibre 5900, which first appeared in 2022 on certain 37 mm references, and combines a slim 3.9 mm thickness, a high 4Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve, the mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback revealing the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight along with the decorations adorning the components.

THREE NEW ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING SMOKED BLUE DIALS

With their 34mm, 37mm and Chronograph 38 mm, all three aditions feature the same smoked blue dial with a “Grande Tapisserie” motif and comes in a 41 mm sized white gold case with a choice of movements: Selfwinding, Selfwinding Chronograph and Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. The AP monogram at 12 o’clock is now being replaced by the signature of the Manufacture, using a galvanic growth process that superimposes layers of gold to spell out the logo, before being delicately fixed to the dial via tiny feet. This process is similar to 3D printing and required three years of research and development. Subtly updated for the 50^th anniversary of the collection in 2022, they will initially be sold exclusively in Japan from May 2023, before being offered to the rest of the world from July 2023.

A NEW ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH IN BLACK CERAMIC & YELLOW GOLD

To celebrate the Royal Oak Offshore’s 30^th anniversary, this new reference unites black ceramic with yellow gold accents, delivering a refined and powerful contrast. The timepiece is also enriched with a Méga Tapisserie dial and an interchangeable strap endowed with a similar two-tone appearance. Each component of the black ceramic case went through a complex manufacturing process and several refined hand-finishing techniques. The composition unites Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder with a specific binder, albeit the precise composition of the ceramic remains a closely guarded secret. Once the material is sintered at a temperature of approximately 1,000 °C, its final colour is revealed, appearing homogenous throughout.

Animated by the Manufacture’s latest chronograph movement – the selfwinding Calibre 4401, which is fully integrated and features a column wheel and a flyback function, the timepiece is different from a regular chronograph, its flyback function allowing the wearer to start, stop and reset the chronograph in one simple action.

TWO NEW ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPHS WITH ONYX AND BAGUETTE-CUT DIAMONDS

The two new 38 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronographs combine sportiness with precious materials for a glamourous look. Each model is fitted with a black onyx dial that provides the perfect background for the diamond hour-markers and for the chronograph counters that are framed by rings of gold matching the colour of the case. Black onyx dials provide the perfect deep black backdrop for the dial with its baguette-cut diamond hour-markers, gold hands filled with luminescent coating and chronograph counters that are framed with gold-toned rings matching the colour of the case. Each of the new timepieces is equipped with the selfwinding chronograph Calibre 2385.