Royal Oak Collection by Audemars Piguet: Evoking Beauty And Elegance In Contemporary Design

Integrating intricate design and outstanding craftsmanship, the latest Royal Oak Concept and Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph collections by Audemars Piguet are statement pieces on the wrist.

The latest Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon models shine with an array of multicoloured gemstones, each offering a unique play of light. Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Since its establishment in 1875, Audemars Piguet has created an array of pioneering mechanical watches for women. Continuing to expand its collection, the Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer recently presents a small series of new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon models in white or pink gold glittering with an array of graded coloured gemstones and diamonds, each offering unexpected and variegated plays of light.

Integrating Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joiallerie, these complex timepieces blend traditional techniques with avant-garde design. Emphasizing unique characters and surprising contrasts, these multifaceted pieces will be true statements when worn on the wrist.

Comes in six models, the new timepieces feature white or pink gold 38.5mm cases that have been hand-set with colourful gemstones and/or diamonds. The open-worked watch is powered by a hand-wound manufacture calibre 2951 which has a 77-hour power reserve and flying tourbillon.

Paying homage to profound artistry, the new timepieces are carefully decorated with as many as 468 brilliant or 208 baguette-cut gemstones. While four models are paved with graded blue sapphires, two feature multicoloured gemstones creating a rainbow effect.

The 18-carat white gold Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon is illuminated with 468 brilliant-cut coloured gemstones, meticulously chosen to achieve a unique rainbow effect. Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

For the two rainbow models, 12 different types of multicoloured gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, topaz, tanzanites, amethysts, and various coloured sapphires, have been meticulously chosen to offer vivid hues and a smooth gradation when combined. The progressing shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple also bring out the geometry of the case and bezel, reflecting light to create a unique optical experience akin to that of a rainbow. While the first model combines a diamond-set case and dial with a baguette-cut rainbow bezel, the other has been fully paved with brilliant-cut multicoloured gemstones.

Highlighting meticulous craftsmanship and artistry, the diamonds and coloured gemstones adorning the new models have been individually cut and polished to reach the desired shape and size before being set in gold by the hand of expert jewellers. The gemsetting of the dial represented an added challenge due to the diminutive size of the design and movement components.

Two pieces of the new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillion series, available in 18-carat white or pink gold, are beautifully adorned with 208 baguette-cut graded blue sapphires which have been cut in 144 different sizes to match the curves of the case and the architecture of the dial as well as the movement components. The stones are delicately incised and then embedded into the hidden rail of the golden bezel. This invisible gemsetting for each timepiece also requires 150 hours of work.

The complexity also lies in reaching flawless alignment – a painstaking task requiring extreme precision. The quality of the gemstone’s cut is as important as its inherent quality and clarity. Each baguette not only needs to be eye clean or no visible inclusion by the naked eye, but its lines and stepped facets have to be perfectly symmetrical and aligned. To this is added the challenge of reaching a smooth gradation between the blue hues. Once combined, the baguette-cut sapphires give a certain edge to the piece, while further enhancing the architectural movement’s 3D effect and play of light.

Sophisticated yet striking, each piece in the collection effortlessly accentuates the style of elegant women.

The latest Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph in 41 mm adorns a Frosted Gold case in 18-carat white or pink gold and a “Grande Tapisserie” dial in black or blue hues, enriched with contrasting counters echoing the case’s shade. Photo courtesy of Audemars Piguet

On top of the Royal Oak concept collection, Audemars Piguet has also unveiled its two new versions of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph.

Equipped with the latest generation chronograph movement, the Calibre 4401, is now visible through a sapphire case back. Presented in a choice of 18-carat white or pink gold, the two 41 mm timepieces are respectively complemented with a “Grande Tapisserie” black or blue dial enriched with contrasting counters matching with the case’s colour.

Comes in a limited edition of 200 pieces, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph completes the overall collection with a touch of elegance worth collecting by those who appreciate savoir-faire.

This article was featured in www.tatlerasia.com . You can also read the article in Bahasa Indonesia here.