Good evening everyone!

Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak is a representative luxury sports watch and is highly popular in the secondary market. Its rich lineup is one of its features, and various new models are beginning to be announced in 2024.

This is because Audemars Piguet will not be participating in the watch trade fair "Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024" to be held in April, so this year's new products are being released earlier than other brands.

This time, we would like to pick out and introduce some of the most noteworthy models from the new 2024 "Royal Oak". Please enjoy reading until the end!

"Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openwork"
"Ref.16204BC.OO.1240BC.01"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/16204BC.OO.1240BC.01.html

Feature 1: 18KWG ( white gold) case that is only 8.1mm thick

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/16204BC.OO.1240BC.01.html

This new model, scheduled to be released in April 2024, features an 18KWG (white gold) case that is only 8.1mm thick. The Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin Openwork is already available in SS (stainless steel), 18KPG (pink gold), and 18KYG (yellow gold), so with the release of the 18KWG (white gold), all materials are now available. As the name "Jumbo" suggests, the 39mm case size is also a key point, as it pays tribute to the original Royal Oak.

Feature 2: Openwork precision movement "Cal.7124"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/16204BC.OO.1240BC.01.html

The openwork automatic movement, Cal. 7124, is just 2.7mm thick and comes in various shades of anthracite grey, in contrast to the case, enhancing the openwork design with its contrast with the case color.

By combining cutting-edge manufacturing technology such as computer numerical control machines with traditional techniques, a unique and precise movement is produced. This model is a perfect embodiment of "tradition" and "innovation," incorporating cutting-edge technology while also fully utilizing the traditional techniques cultivated by Audemars Piguet.

"Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openwork Sand Gold"
"Ref.26735SG.OO.1320SG.01"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26735SG.OO.1320SG.01.html

Feature 1: First use of the newly developed "Sand Gold"!

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26735SG.OO.1320SG.01.html

This watch, which was just announced in March 2024, uses a newly developed 18K gold alloy called "Sand Gold" by Audemars Piguet. Named after sand dunes shining in the sun, this material is made of gold, copper, and palladium, giving it a color that is somewhere between white gold and pink gold. Depending on the angle of the light, it can also change to a soft pink-like beige or silver. Another attractive feature is that it is resistant to discoloration over time, allowing you to use it for a long time.

Feature 2: Flying tourbillon that blends in with sand gold

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26735SG.OO.1320SG.01.html

The automatic movement "Cal. 2972", whose operation can be appreciated from both sides, has a symmetrical structure, and the openwork bridges and main plate are unified in sand gold color, giving it a stylish design. Designed to make the most of the multi-layered openwork, it embodies functional beauty that can be called a work of art. In addition, each movement part is decorated with satin, sunray brush, snail, etc., and even a single part has its own beauty.

"Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" Limited Edition"
"Ref.26574BC.OO.1220BC.02"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26574BC.OO.1220BC.02.html

Feature 1: Painting-like beautiful "Crystal Sky" dial

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26574BC.OO.1220BC.02.html

This is a limited edition model created in collaboration with American singer/guitarist and Grammy Award-winning artist John Mayer. John Mayer, who is also known as an avid watch collector, designed a beautiful blue dial called "Crystal Sky." The irregular embossed motif gives the brass dial a beautiful sparkle.

The deep sub-dial has the day of the week at 9 o'clock, the month and leap year display at 12 o'clock, and the date at 3 o'clock. At first glance, it looks the same as other perpetual calendar models, but some of the fonts and colors have been slightly changed in this model.

Feature 2: The final tribute to a historic movement

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26574BC.OO.1220BC.02.html

The movement "Cal.5134", which was released in 2015 and attracted much attention for its thinness of only 4.5mm while being equipped with a perpetual calendar, will be discontinued with this model. This is the last model equipped with this famous movement in the history of Audemars Piguet, so it is a model that is attracting a lot of attention.

"Royal Oak Frosted Gold"
"Ref.15550BA.GG.1356BA.01"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/15550BA.GG.1356BA.01.html

Feature 1: Forged 18KYG (yellow gold) case

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/15550BA.GG.1356BA.01.html

The "Frosted Gold" case and bracelet have been used on the Royal Oak since 2016, and are extremely popular due to their luxurious appearance. "Frosted Gold" is a hammered finish with roots in the traditional Florentine technique of creating countless tiny bumps on the gold surface. In addition to the unique texture, the case and bracelet combine polished chamfering and a satin finish, further enhancing the shine of the 18KYG (yellow gold).

Feature 2: Smoked yellow gold dial with sunburst pattern

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/15550BA.GG.1356BA.01.html

The luxurious 18KYG (yellow gold) case is matched with a sunburst-patterned smoked yellow gold dial. After coloring, the dial is sprayed with black smoke to create a striking contrast with the case. This process is done by hand, and it requires skilled techniques to reproduce the seamless smoke gradation.

"Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3"
"Ref.26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01"

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01.html

Feature 1: Bezel with 32 baguette diamonds

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01.html

The octagonal bezel, which is a symbol of the Royal Oak, is set with baguette-cut diamonds so as not to interfere with the screws of the bezel. The indexes are also set with baguette-cut diamonds, creating a striking contrast with the calm smoky blue dial.

Feature 2: Flying tourbillon movement measuring just 3.4 mm

*Source: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/ja/watch-collection/royal-oak/26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01.html

The movement is the ultra-thin automatic movement "Cal. 2968" that was released in 2022 and is only 3.4mm thick. It is a movement that can be said to be the crystallization of technical capabilities, as it is equipped with a flying tourbillon mechanism that is not affected by posture differences, yet is housed in a small 37mm case. Another major feature is that, unlike a normal tourbillon, the movement of the movement can be seen from the dial side.

summary

What did you think.

While each model firmly inherits the tradition of the Royal Oak, it also has a new side that has never been seen before. I don't think it will be available on the market anytime soon, but I would love to see it in person! I'm also looking forward to seeing what other Royal Oaks will be released in the future!

Once again , I hope that by reading this column, even one more person will become interested in luxury watches!

see you!

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