The simple Royal Oak may be one of the most expensive and coveted watches in the world, but that’s by no means the only feature of Audemars Piguet. The Swiss manufactory – in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its iconic model – presented a number of commemorative Royal Oaks this year, of course saving the most complex ones for the end of the year. An exciting model with a perpetual calendar in bright blue and a GMT tourbillon has been added to the Royal Oak collection, while three new tourbillons have been added to the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. All of them have as a common element the main building material, high-tech ceramics. Ceramic is a special material in watchmaking for many reasons: firstly, it is very hard – one of the hardest materials available – and especially scratch resistant – it is said to be almost impossible to scratch. In comparison, it is three to four times stronger than stainless steel. It is also lighter than steel and even titanium. One of its great advantages is that they can be made in a multitude of colors, which can give free rein to the watch designer’s imagination and creativity. What is interesting about this case is that Audemars Piguet has chosen this high-tech material for five high-complexity models with high-end movements that are prized mainly by collectors. Let’s get to know them…

Code 11.59 from Audemars Piguet Automatic flying tourbillon

Let’s start with the visually more “simple” from an aesthetic point of view, as this is the only tourbillon that is not a skeleton. A mesmerizing black onyx dial that makes the tourbillon at 6 stand out in all its glory. Its case is in 18K white gold with a black ceramic middle stem. The addition of black ceramic gives a modern twist to a traditional complication. Simple, delicate rose gold details (hands, numerals, logo, tourbillon circle) complete the minimalist ensemble.

Code 11.59 from Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openwork

Audemars Piguet designers chose blue electric ceramic to create this impressive skeleton watch. They combine such a bold color for the first time with an 18K white gold case and are in fact in the Code 11.59 collection from Audemars Piguet. We have already seen blue ceramics in the 2020 Royal Oak Offshore collection. What enhances the aesthetics of the watch is that the elements of the skeleton movement are also finished in blue, as are the lacquered inner bezel and, of course, the strap.

Watch the clock in the next video…

Code 11.59 from Audemars Piguet Flying tourbillon automatic chronograph

The matter is further complicated by this skeleton a model that is not a simple tourbillon but also includes a chronograph. Here, the combination of black ceramic with 18-carat rose gold is done on the case, temples, crown and pushers, while the main structural elements of the movement, which make up the complex skeletal architecture of this watch, are made in the same color combination.

royal oak Flying Tourbillon GMT Concept

The impressive sandblasted titanium case of the new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT 44mm is paired with a dark green ceramic bezel. The watch’s crown, buttons and strap are all in the same tone, as are the special CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) dyed inserts on the dial that highlight its contemporary aesthetic. In fact, the green ceramic is handcrafted, with alternating satin and polished surfaces that further enhance the watch’s geometry. This green color is used for the first time in the Royal Oak Concept, but we saw it earlier in 2018 in the Royal Oak Offshore collection.

royal oak perpetual calendar

The group’s latest model is the only one without a tourbillon, but it is just as complex and impressive as it features a perpetual calendar, one of the most complex and demanding complications they have ever made. The movement is housed in a 41mm electric blue ceramic case that surrounds a Grand Tapisserie tonal dial with four subdials: month and year at 12, date at 3, day of the week at 9 and moon phase at 6. The watch also stand out. due to its thin profile as its body is only 9.5mm thick! The craftsmen of Audemars Piguet at Le Brassus have put all their skill into processing ceramic, a modern material, as if it were a noble metal. Hence the highly detailed hand-finishing of all surfaces.

See the next video for more details…

More information about Audemars Piguet here.

Boutique Audemars Piguet: st. Bucharest, 21, Athens (tel.: 210-3629251)