Continuing its quest for innovative and new materials, Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet unveils its latest inthe Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, its first-ever timepiece made from “sand gold,” an in-house created and produced 18-carat gold alloy that offers vibrant light reflections. Its color, combining gold with copper and palladium for a warm rendering, changes based on the viewing angle and lighting, providing a range of stunning visual experiences. In addition to its gorgeous appeal, it provides resistance to discoloration over time, according to Audemars Piguet.
The 41mm sand gold case which measures only 10.6mm in height, and bracelet are finished with the manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfers. The large mirror-polished bevels of the octagonal bezel and the chamfers adorning every link and stud of the tapering bracelet further accentuate the play of light.
To enhance the new gold case and bracelet, Audemars Piguet created a corresponding sand-gold-toned shade to decorate the open-worked bridges and mainplate of Caliber 2972, whose layered architecture is prominently displayed on both sides of the watch.
This new electroplated color subtly contrasts with the rhodium-toned components of the movement’s internal mechanisms, further highlight the 3D effect of the skeletonized movement that was first released in 2022 to commemorate the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary. This state-of-the art manufacture self-winding caliber is equipped with a flying tourbillon and offers a power reserve of 65 hours.
The geometrical openworked bridges and mainplate have been decorated with horizontal and vertical hand-finishing, accentuating depth and play of light. In addition, the other movement components present refined Haute Horlogerie decorations including satin, circular and sunray brushing, snailing, as well as polished chamfers. The polished V-angles that can be admired on both sides of the watch reflect the meticulous craftsmanship.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked is priced at CHF 250,000.
To learn more, visit Audemars Piguet, here.