At the start of each year, Audemars Piguet delights us with a series of new releases.
Last year was significant for the brand - in honor of their 150th anniversary, several outstanding models were introduced. Among them were the new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and Royal Oak Chronograph. These watches embody revolutionary technological solutions focused on intuitive ease of use. This raises interest in what Audemars Piguet will present at the beginning of 2026. For now, let's look at the five main new releases from the brand in recent years.
Audemars Piguet's Current Offerings: A Collection Overview
Before moving on to the list, let's briefly note the current range of Audemars Piguet. As of today, the brand's catalog consists of five lines, including three key ones - Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and Royal Oak Concept. These are joined by the Code 11.59 and (RE)Master collections. The latter is a limited series with only two models, while the 11.59 line receives significantly less attention compared to the Royal Oak. However, the brand has raised the bar by introducing new dials that have significantly improved the Code 11.59 models. The Code 11.59 Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 2023 is particularly noteworthy - the absolute headliner. Now, let's move on to the five outstanding new releases of the last two years.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar
Let's start with one of the two main new releases of last year - the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. This model has long been considered a hit for Audemars Piguet. Last year, the brand introduced two versions of the Royal Oak and one model of the Code 11.59, all equipped with the new QP 7138 caliber.
The new movement was developed in Le Brassus under the direction of technical director Giulio Papi. For the brand's latest innovations, including the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar, Code 11.59 RD#4, and Royal Oak Chronograph, Papi was inspired by the intuitiveness of the iPhone, which led him to create easy-to-use calibers.
In the 7138 caliber, all functions are regulated via the crown, eliminating the need for traditional calendar correctors on the side of the case. This significantly simplifies the operation of the watch. Additionally, the mechanism allows the calendar to be adjusted both forwards and backwards, eliminating the need to visit a watchmaker in case of incorrect setup. The result is a perpetual calendar with reimagined user-friendliness.
Three New Models of Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar
The revolutionary movement was installed in both the Code 11.59 and the Royal Oak. For our review, we chose two Royal Oak models since they hold a more significant place in Audemars Piguet's lineup and, to be honest, we like them more than the Code 11.59. The first is the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel with a blue dial (ref. 26674ST.OO.1320ST.01) - a classic Royal Oak combination.
The second model is made from the brand's proprietary sand gold alloy (ref. 26674SG.OO.1320SG.01) and looks no less impressive. The cases of both models measure 41 × 9.5 mm, providing comfort when worn. The main thing is that these watches demonstrate Audemars Piguet's technological breakthrough, so we can expect many new perpetual calendar models in the near future, given their popularity.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5
The second key release of last year - the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5. This model continues the concept of intuitive control. The new chronograph with the 8100 caliber sets new standards in the category.
Giulio Papi focused on reducing the effort needed to press the chronograph buttons. For the 8100 caliber, he developed a new gear system with energy accumulation, which keeps the mechanism under tension. This prevents vibrations and eliminates the need for a friction spring - a brake that requires constant energy.
Combination of Chronograph and Tourbillon
Compared to traditional chronographs, the 8100 caliber uses a similar amount of energy but accumulates it and releases it for the chronograph reset. A light press of the button resets the second hand in a retrograde movement. A lightweight titanium mechanism is used for this, ensuring a lightning-fast reset with minimal energy consumption.
Additionally, a convenient crown with an integrated switch button between winding and time-setting modes was added. The mechanism consists of 379 components and features an innovative vertical clutch for smooth chronograph operation, a flyback function, 30-minute and 12-hour counters, as well as rare instantaneous jumping chronograph hands.
The peripheral rotor contributes to a thin case, and a flying-type tourbillon was added simply due to the available space. The final model from the RD series costs €260,000, but its significance goes far beyond the price.
Audemars Piguet (RE)Master02 Selfwinding
One of the most unexpected new releases was the Audemars Piguet (RE)Master02 Selfwinding 2024. This is a modern version of the classic 1960 model 5159BA from the brand's museum archive. Only seven original copies were produced, so why did Audemars Piguet decide to revive such a rare model? The answer lies in the asymmetrical, angular case inspired by the brutalist architecture of the time, which is gaining popularity again. Additionally, the design echoes the architecture of the Audemars Piguet museum and the brand-owned Hôtel des Horlogers.
(RE)Master02 is a niche model released after (RE)Master01, a less controversial modern remake of the 1943 chronograph. Only 250 pieces were produced for true connoisseurs. The octagonal case (41 × 9.7 mm) is made of 18-carat sand gold with horizontal satin finish. It is completed with an impressive angular sapphire glass protecting the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial. For me, the combination of the case and dial makes the watch especially unique.
Special “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” Dial
The unique dial is divided into 12 triangles with linear satin finish that matches the case finish. Depending on the angle of light, the dial changes its appearance, harmonizing with the extravagant case and glass.
On the reverse side, the 7129 caliber is visible. This proprietary movement caused an increase in the watch size compared to the original - the 29.6 mm diameter would not fit into a smaller case. The automatic caliber provides a 52-hour power reserve and is finished to a high standard. It is the perfect movement for the unique Audemars Piguet (RE)Master02 Selfwinding. Many on the WatchTested team appreciate this model, which is why it made it into our top 5.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
Last year, the brand released three models in honor of their 150th anniversary with the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial. This shade of blue symbolizes the night sky over Vallée de Joux, which is rumored to have inspired Gérald Genta to choose the dark blue color for the first Royal Oak ref. 5402. As part of this series, watches with ceramic cases in this shade were introduced. Our favorite is the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”.
This model continued the version with black ceramic and pink caliber, which debuted in 2024. However, the blue ceramic case completely changes the watch's perception. I like the combination of the blue ceramic case of 41 mm with the integrated bracelet of the same color. The case thickness is only 9.7 mm, and water resistance is 50 m. In the photos, the watch looks significantly more stylish than most Royal Oak models.
The Magic of the Skeletonized Movement
Under the flat sapphire glass is the signature caliber 3132. For contrast with the blue case and bezel, the movement is rhodium-plated, creating a pleasant combination of silver and blue. The rose gold balance bridge, hands, and hour markers add sophistication.
Technically, the caliber 3132 is equipped with two balances and spirals, positioned one above the other on a common axis - a patented design that increases accuracy and stability. The movement is open on both sides, and skeletonized bridges allow for observing the energy transfer. Each component is finished with exceptional attention to detail, making this model a demonstration of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37 mm with Turquoise Dial
The Royal Oak model with a turquoise dial and a 37 mm case has gone relatively unnoticed. In these watches, the natural turquoise stone makes each piece unique. Such a dial can mentally transport the owner to a tropical paradise - especially relevant for residents of the Netherlands with their gray winter skies. The light blue dial is housed in a compact 37 mm case and paired with Audemars Piguet's signature Royal Oak bracelet in yellow gold. Overall, the composition looks summery and bright.
The thickness of the turquoise dial is only 0.75 mm, it is cut from natural stone mined in Mexico. Each dial is unique due to the natural pattern and contrasts with the yellow gold hour markers filled with luminescent Super-LumiNova. Thanks to the case dimensions (37 × 8.9 mm), these watches are very comfortable to wear.
Since gold watches on a bracelet often look flashy, the reduced size softens this effect. At the same time, 37 mm appears larger than one might expect, making the model suitable for those with slender wrists. Inside the case is the 5900 caliber, 3.9 mm thick, with a 60-hour power reserve - the ideal movement for this compact and striking Royal Oak model.
Conclusion: Top 5 Favorite Audemars Piguet New Releases
Here is our top 5 recent new releases from Audemars Piguet. Of course, other models worthy of attention could have been chosen. Personally, I really like the rose gold Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, and it would be interesting to see such a dial in the Royal Oak “Jumbo” version. Whether this will happen - time will tell. In any case, Audemars Piguet continues to surprise us annually, and we eagerly await the new releases of 2026. Share your favorite models of the brand in the comments, and we'll see you next week with a new review.