Don't think that because Audemars Piguet has already introduced several new models this year, they have nothing more to show. In fact, that's far from the case, as today the brand is releasing several new watches. Some of them are truly impressive. Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet launched a new version of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph, a classic model with a new automatic movement based on the caliber introduced in Code 11.59. Visually, this update doesn't explain much, but in terms of mechanics, it was a big step forward. Today, the brand releases a new limited edition based on these watches, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm Frosted Gold, featuring the brand's signature hammered case.
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph is a true classic of the collection, introduced in 1997 for the 25th anniversary of the collection. Initially, it measured 39mm and was powered by a movement based on Piguet's watch, but it gradually evolved until 2012, when its case was updated to 41mm. However, it still used a base movement created from an external source. In 2021, the RO Chrono model underwent one of the most important updates in its history. Of course, the style and proportions are almost identical. But inside the case is an integrated automatic chronograph by Audemars Piguet, a movement first seen in the Code 11.59 collection, caliber 4401.
These watches, first introduced in March 2021 in four versions made of pink gold, became the basis for today's model, released in a limited edition. This means that all characteristics and proportions are the same, differing only in materials, finish methods, and colors. Thus, we find ourselves in familiar territory. First of all, we again see the typical RO case with an octagonal bezel with 8 screws, 41mm in diameter and 12.38mm in height - the case of the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph is about 1.4mm thicker than the previous generation, thanks to the new movement.
New in this version is the combination of an 18-carat white gold case with the brand's signature "frosted" finish. This case finish, introduced in 2016, was developed in collaboration with Carolina Bucci, an Italian jewelry designer who has been using this hammered gold technique or Florentine technique for several years. Applied to all flat surfaces and contrasting with polished bevels on the sides of the case and bezel, it again creates striking, unmistakably recognizable watches with an appearance unlike anything seen before. Bright, reflective, uneven, rough, yet refined, AP's frosted gold is one of a kind. Naturally, the same decor is applied to the entire bracelet.
For this limited edition Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm, a new dial color has been created. The dark silver shade of the dial, apart from this color, is identical to the classic RO Chrono versions. The dial is adorned with the famous Grande Tapisserie pattern with snail-like sub-dials and applied markers and hands made of white gold. Despite the monochromatic look, legibility and contrast are very commendable. The main feature of this dial is how it complements the case and bracelet with its metallic sheen. When worn, it creates a rare feeling of an item crafted as a whole, rather than a sum of parts.
Inside the case is the manufacture caliber 4401, an integrated automatic chronograph with a flyback function. The complex and modern mechanism operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a 70-hour power reserve. Through the case back, its complex architecture is visible, with the signature arrangement of reset hammers and an openworked rotor made of solid gold.
Availability and Price
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm Frosted Gold (26239BC.GG.1224BC.01) is released as a limited edition of 200 pieces. Its price will be 78,900 euros. More information is available at www.audemarspiguet.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH 41MM FROSTED GOLD
Case: Diameter 41mm x Height 12.38mm – 18-carat white gold, frosted finish with polished accents – Sapphire crystal front and case back – Screw-down case back, crown, and pushers – Water resistance 50m
Dial: Grey dial with "Grande Tapisserie" pattern, silver sub-dials, applied hour markers in white gold and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating
Movement: Manufacture caliber 4401 – Automatic – 40 jewels – 381 components – Integrated automatic chronograph with column wheel and flyback function – 32mm – Frequency 4 Hz – Power reserve 70h – Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, date
Bracelet: 18-carat white gold bracelet, frosted finish with polished accents, AP folding clasp
Reference: 26239BC.GG.1224BC.01
Availability: Limited to 200 pieces
Price: 78,900 EURO