If you have been paying attention to this year’s Watches and Wonders, you should know that Sotheby’s, together with Audemars Piguet, which did not officially participate in the exhibition, held an exhibition, and the theme was the revolutionary Royal Oak series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
When everyone thought that the 50th anniversary celebration would only have auctions and exhibitions, AP just released a groundbreaking work – the new flying tourbillon Royal Oak series “Jumbo” ultra-thin watch.
The newly launched next-generation Royal Oak series, still retains the specifications of the “Jumbo” design, with a case diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 8.1mm. The design still features AP’s most iconic Bleu Nuit Petite Tapisserie dial, baton-style hands and minute markers, while the “core” flying tourbillon component is prominently placed at 6 o’clock, ensuring the classic charm is not lost, while highlighting the key points of the new piece.
Then, it’s time for the main introduction. Featured in the all-new, model 16202 “Jumbo” ultra-thin wristwatch, the new 7121 self-winding ultra-thin movement, developed by a team of AP watchmakers over five years, replaces the 2121 movement that debuted with the Royal Oak series, bringing higher performance, reliability, and contemporary movement design. This time, the team has managed to astonishingly fit this originally only available for the 41mm diameter watch 2968 ultra-thin movement into a space even narrower and more limited, making this remarkable development the brand’s first 39mm “Jumbo” wristwatch to be equipped with a flying tourbillon.
What is even more surprising is that a group of AP engineers successfully integrated the 2968 movement into the “Jumbo” model, without altering the classic case proportions of the watch, combining the automatic winding mechanism with a flying tourbillon. Ultimately, watchmakers could only reorganize the peripheral driving tourbillon and balance wheel arms of the new escapement mechanism in a new geometric shape and position, allowing the entire movement to be positioned parallel to the dial, officially giving the movement the title of RD#3. Unlike the original automatic winding tourbillon, the wearer can admire the new movement through the sapphire case back, which combines classic V angles with modern features, including a new tire tread finish on the main plate and bridges instead of traditional Geneva waves, as well as a new balance wheel design made of 22-carat rose gold, engraved with a 50th-anniversary commemorative plate. Just this aspect alone fully demonstrates its collectible value.
In fact, whether it was in 1970 when the legendary watchmaker Gérald Genta was appointed by the then brand general manager Georges Golay, collaborating with the Stern brothers and Gay Frères workshop to develop the legendary Royal Oak, or when the brand ARPR and EPFL spent 8 years creating the groundbreaking Royal Oak Concept “RD#1” Acoustic Research Royal Oak minute repeater watch, Audemars Piguet and a group of watchmakers have always upheld an attitude of pursuing the ultimate over the past few decades, with a profound and far-reaching influence that has long surpassed the watchmaking industry. It can even be said that it is a significant and valuable embodiment of contemporary cultural industries.
With this groundbreaking series reaching another important milestone, Audemars Piguet also hopes to share once again with the world the value of its watchmaking craftsmanship and brand history at such a significant moment of glory. Therefore, the brand also solemnly announced that in addition to the ultra-thin flying tourbillon Royal Oak “Jumbo” watch mentioned above, a 37mm version will also be released in September, breaking the existing framework instantly, to celebrate the 50th anniversary and further highlight the brand’s ultimate philosophy.
At that time, if you suddenly see a “very familiar” watch shared on AP’s official Instagram, do not overlook its importance in a moment. Because you should know that the breakthrough of 37mm is not ordinary at all! Watch fans, stay tuned for more introductions and updates on AP’s 50th anniversary celebration.
資料及圖片來源：Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
