Skeletonized watches are a delight for fans of horological artistry with a mechanical bent, and the more complex the mechanism, the better.
In 2016, Audemars Piguet doubled the enjoyment of viewing by introducing the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ref. 15407. As the name suggests, the mechanism was equipped with two balance wheels, one of which was displayed on the dial of the 41mm watch. The latest duo to join the collection includes two 37mm models in white or pink gold, equipped with their own caliber 3132. However, the novelty lies in the tone-on-tone palette, where the color of the case material matches the color of the mechanism.
The foundation of the RO Double Balance Wheel Openworked is based on the principle of "two is better than one," explained in this video - two balance wheels for enhanced chronometric performance and stability. However, to allow access and adjustment of each balance spring individually, AP watchmakers placed two balance wheels and two hairsprings on one axis but separated them: one is visible on the dial, and the second - on the reverse side.
While the 41mm version is more common, the 37mm variant of the RO Double Balance Wheel is not new. It appeared in 2018 in a stunning frosted gold case. Today, AP presents two 37mm editions: one in white gold with rhodium plating, and the other - in pink gold with a golden finish. The familiar geometry of the Royal Oak is highlighted by matte and polished finishes.
Skeletonized mechanisms, where as much material as possible is removed from the plate and bridges to allow light to pass through and reveal the mechanism, have existed at AP since the 1930s. Keeping up with the times, AP now uses CNC machines to cut bridges to the required shape and finishes them by hand using more traditional techniques.
The labyrinthine network of bridges reveals the intricacies of the automatic winding and the patented caliber 3132. One of the balance wheels rotates between 7 and 8 o'clock on the dial, and the other is visible on the case back. Other components, such as the gear train and mainspring, are well-visible on the dial. The balance wheels rotate at a frequency of 3 Hz, and the golden skeletonized mechanism provides the rotor with energy sufficient for 45 hours of autonomy.
The bridges and mechanism of the white gold model with rhodium plating are complemented by rubies and a light blue inner flange, and the dial is framed by luminous white gold hour markers.
The pink gold model with bridges and mechanism in pink gold and a bright purple flange has a more lavish character. For contrast, the hands and indices are made of white gold and adorned with luminous strips. Both models come with integrated gold bracelets, an additional light blue alligator leather strap for the white gold model, and a purple alligator leather strap for the pink gold model with gold AP folding clasps.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 37mm in white (15467BC) or pink gold (15467OR) is priced at 85,400 Swiss Francs or 97,800 Euros. More information can be found on audemarspiguet.com.