It seems SIHH 2017 has been chosen for an unexpected experiment by Audemars Piguet. As they reveal their first ever all ceramic “Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar”. This brand has given into innovation trends before, but it still has caught the attention of many horology aficionados.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Back in 2015 we saw as Audemars Piguet released several “Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar” in: yellow gold, rose gold and stainless steel.
Previous (left to right) 18k yellow gold, 18k pink gold and stainless-steel * Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Now we get the first ever non-metallic, in preference of an all ceramic Royal Oak version. The only all ceramic AP up until now had been the “Royal Oak Offshore Diver” (Ref#: 15707CE.OO.A002CA.01), released back in SIHH 2013.
“Royal Oak Offshore Diver” (Ref#: 15707CE.OO.A002CA.01) * Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
It’s not an easy feat since just the ceramic bracelet alone takes up to 30 hours to be: machined, polished, hand-finished, assembled and go thru quality control. Compared to a stainless-steel bracelet, which only takes 6 hours to be prepared; this alternate process sums up a 5 time increase in labor costs and time consumption.
Video courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
The 41mm case is made of brushed black ceramic, or more specifically its: zirconium oxide ceramic, which is stated to be many times harder than steel. It has a transparent caseback that allows to visualize the inner workings of this mechanical movement. Covered by a glare-proofed sapphire crystal on the front and back of this watch.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet said it put a lot of time in effort toward developing this ceramic case. They claim it’s unscratchable, resistant to high temperatures, aging and can even withstand thermal shocks. Water-resistance on this novelty model can reach up to 20m (65 feet).
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Time is exhibited on a slate grey signature Audemar Piguet “grande tapisserie” pattern dial with 18k white gold applied hour index markers and hands; both elements have undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
There are four black sub-dials: a date display at the 3 o’clock position; a photorealistic moonphase indicator at the 6 o’clock position; a day indicator at the 9 o’clock position; and finally the current month and leap year can be observed at the 12 o’clock position. It also encompasses a black rotating inner bezel with the week indication.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
This “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar” (Ref#: 26579CE.OO.1225CE.01) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 5134 with 38 jewels, 374 components and 19,800 vph. It features an oscillating weight guided by a peripheral ring rolling on four ruby runners. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 40 hours, when fully wound.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Mounted to this watch is an original sporty black ceramic bracelet, secured to the wrist by a titanium AP folding clasp. Although this isn’t a limited edition watch, Audemars Piguet hasn’t been clear about its availability. But, due to its long manufacturing process, requested supplies may be slow in getting fulfilled, so we suggest getting a head start. Visit their own website for more details by clicking here.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
MSRP: $85,000.00 USD
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Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak, Perpetual Calendar, Ceramic, SIHH, SIHH 2017, Luxury Watches
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