A Trio of Materials, A Symphony of Style
The new release boasts three distinct 41mm iterations, each crafted from a different material: stainless steel, sleek black ceramic, and luxurious 18-carat yellow gold. These variations showcase the versatility of the Royal Oak design, seamlessly transitioning from sporty chic to opulent elegance.
Audemars Piguet stays true to the Royal Oak's signature aesthetic. The cases and bracelets feature the collection's iconic polished and satin-brushed surfaces, creating a captivating play of light that accentuates the watch's geometric design.
A Technological Heart with a Touch of Luxury
The true star of the show lies beneath the openworked dial: the self-winding Calibre 3132. This innovative movement boasts Audemars Piguet's patented double balance wheel mechanism, a marvel of engineering that enhances precision and stability. Visible through the openworked construction, the double balance wheels add a touch of visual intrigue, while the openworked bridges reveal the intricate gear train beneath.
Two of the new models introduce a captivating twist – a new pink-gold tone for the movement and inner bezel. This warm hue adds a touch of luxury to the stainless steel and black ceramic versions, further highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship.
Contrasting Yet Complementary: A Closer Look at Each Model
The stainless steel and black ceramic variations feature the aforementioned pink-gold movement, offering a vibrant contrast against the cool tones of the case materials. The 18-carat white gold hour-markers and hands ensure optimal readability on the stainless-steel model, while the ceramic edition utilizes blackened rhodium for a sleek, monochromatic look.
The 18-carat yellow gold iteration exudes boldness. The bright gold case beautifully complements the anthracite grey openworked movement, further accentuated by a matching inner bezel. Yellow gold hour-markers and hands with luminescent material complete the two-tone design for optimal legibility.
For a touch of exclusivity, the black ceramic model is limited to a production run of only 150 pieces.
A Legacy of Openworked Excellence
Beyond the captivating aesthetics, these new Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked models pay homage to Audemars Piguet's longstanding expertise in openworking. Since the 1930s, the brand has mastered this art form, meticulously removing material from the mainplate and bridges to showcase the beauty of the movement without compromising its functionality.
The article concludes by tracing the history of openworked Royal Oak models, highlighting its introduction in the 1980s and its solidification within the collection during the 1990s.
A Fitting Addition to the Holy Trinity
These new Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked models represent a masterful blend of technical innovation, timeless design, and exquisite craftsmanship. With their diverse materials, captivating aesthetics, and the marvel of the double balance wheel, these timepieces are a worthy addition to the legacy of the "Holy Trinity."
