We always expect to find impressive watches at any SIHH, but it’s not every year we get record-breakers. Although that’s exactly what Audemars Piguet has revealed in the form of the new thinnest automatic perpetual calendar. Introducing the “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin”.
Video courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
“AP Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin” (Ref#: 26586PT.OO.1240PT.01) * Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
After the groundbreaking watch that was the “Royal Oak Concept RD#1” (Ref#: 26576TI.OO.D002CA.01) released back in 2015, made of titanium and equipped with a novel form of enhancing the audibility of chiming watches. Thanks to a collaboration between Audemars Piguet and “EPFL – Ecole Polytechnique, Fédérake de Lausanne”, who together aimed at re-creating the traditional chiming timepiece developed by watchmakers prior to the volume restrictions that water-proofing cases required.
Video courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
“AP Royal Oak Concept RD#1” (Ref#: 26576TI.OO.D002CA.01), circa 2015 * Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is back with an unexpected follow-up, but nonetheless just as noteworthy. The “RD” stands for “Research & Development” and this watch has come to set a new standard as the new thinnest automatic perpetual calendar in the world. The goal was conceived around the time that current CEO Francois Henry Bennahmias stepped into to command of the company in 2013.
Video courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Now five years later the AP team emerges victorious with this significant feat. To set up a comparison the current standard “Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar” is 9.5mm thin; while the “Royal Oak Extra-Thin” came in at 8.1mm thick; but, this new record-breaking “Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin” has been reduced to 2.89mm!…
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
So, the 41mm case is made of the premium 950 platinum with a transparent case back, which allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement. An etched engraving circling near the rim of the case back reads: “ROYAL OAK RD#2 QUANTIEME PERPETUAL”. But, the main highlight here is the aforementioned record breaking thinness of the case at only 2.89mm and 32.00mm wide. Mounted to the case is the standard hexagonal bezel with exposed screws, which here is also made out of platinum.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
In order to achieve such a thin casing Audemars Piguet was challenged to figure out how to re-engineer a three-tier movement into a single level. But, while doing so preserve all its existing functions and complications but in a rearranged version, which necessarily required boosting the ergonomics and efficiency of every applied component. Then finally being topped by a glare-proofed sapphire crystal that also assists with keeping water-resistance on this watch capable of reaching up to 20 meters (65 feet).
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Time is exhibited on a blue dial with a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern with 18k white gold applied hour index markers. There are a series of sub-dials and incorporated mini-sub-dials. The perpetual calendar is spread out with: months at the 3 o’clock position with a leap-year indicator; date at the 6 o’clock position and week-day at the 9 o’clock position with a day/night indicator. While the intricately detailed moonphase has been placed at the 12 o’clock position. The central hands and hour index markers have all been applied a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
This “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin” (Ref#: 26586PT.OO.1240PT.01) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 5133 with 37 jewels, 256 parts and 19,800 Vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 40 hours, when fully wound.
Image courtesy of: Audemars Piguet
Mounted to the watch is an Audemars Piguet bracelet made out of 950 platinum, secured to the wrist by an Audemars Piguet platinum folding clasp. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.
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Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak, Perpetual Calendar, R&D, Ultra-Thin, SIHH 2018, SIHH, Luxury Watches
