Arms-On Audemars Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 26530PT

The Royal Oak is, for sure, one of the crucial emblematic watches of the business and probably the most iconic watch of its producer, Audemars Piguet. And rightfully so, as when it launched in 1972, it outlined a brand new style often known as the luxurious sports activities watch. Since then, for nearly 50 years, the model has derived the idea in a number of kinds, and with virtually all issues obtainable, together with tourbillon regulators. Final 12 months, Audemars Piguet introduced an replace of its Tourbillon RO, with the brand new Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 41mm assortment right here. Just lately, and discreetly, the model launched a brand new tackle this watch, with a platinum case and a dial in what’s presumably the most well liked color presently, in an outstanding gentle blue. We had the possibility to get our fingers on considered one of these uncommon and fascinating Platinum 26530PT.

The very thought of getting a tourbillon swirling via the dial of a Royal Oak is way from new. But, it didn’t come proper on the time of the introduction of the mannequin, but it surely took 25 years for the model to embark on the idea. Audemars Piguet determined to make the tourbillon contained in the RO case one thing particular and the very first time this anti-gravity regulating organ was used within the RO was as a celebration of the twenty fifth anniversary of the mannequin, in 1997, with the reference 25831, a extremely restricted watch produced in very low portions. And, till lately, this watch remained the one RO Tourbillon to be fitted with an automated motion. The second step on this lineage got here for one more necessary second within the lifetime of the Royal Oak, for its fortieth anniversary in 2012, with the launch of the Royal Oak Tourbillon Further-Skinny, a hand-wound watch with all of the attributes of the gathering (together with a slender case). And till final 12 months, this was the one choice for many who needed a tourbillon-only RO watch.

Issues modified in late 2020, when Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon 41mm, a contemporary tackle this assortment and on the complication, mixing basic design components, new dials and largely, a motion from the newest era launched into the Code 11.59 assortment. Barely extra strong and total extra fashionable, this watch was first introduced in metal with a smoked blue dial, in rose gold with a smoked gray (each with “Evolutive Tapisserie” sample) and in a shocking titanium version with a delicate and enticing sandblasted dial.

For 2021, the gathering enlarges with the discreet introduction of a high-end, fascinating platinum model of this watch, the reference 26530PT and its gorgeous dial. As such, technically talking and concerning the specs, there’s not a lot that has developed in comparison with the metal, gold or titanium editions. It’s right here all about colors and supplies. Thus, we discover again the identical 41mm case – the identical diameter because the hand-wound Royal Oak Tourbillon Further-thin and a mean diameter for contemporary editions of the Royal Oak, apart from the basic Jumbo mannequin. But, as a result of this new Flying Tourbillon version has an automated motion, its thickness has barely elevated to now 10.7mm – which stays completely acceptable contemplating the selfwinding capability. The case additionally retains all of the attributes of different Royal Oak watches, with its signature 8-sided bezel with hexagonal screws, the mixture of brushed surfaces and polished sides and a 50m water-resistance.

After all, being made solely in platinum – which additionally consists of the built-in bracelet and the clasp – this Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Platinum has some presence on the wrist. No debate, it’s heavy because of the density of the steel however the weight is properly distributed across the wrist and if not as comfy because the titanium model, this 26530PT shouldn’t be as scary as one might think about. The case and bracelet, with brushed surfaces and polished accents, additionally has a distinct shine and color than metal or titanium and feels colder, but extra treasured too.

The primary cause to take a more in-depth take a look at this watch is, for sure, its dial. To start with, and if the look feels acquainted, it makes use of the moderately spectacular “Evolutive Tapisserie” sample, a contemporary tackle the basic tapisserie sample launched in 1972. Extra graphic, its textured radiates from the centre of the tourbillon, creating a focus that brings the attention to the regulating organ at 6 o’clock. Dynamic, novel, and nonetheless superly executed, this engine-turned sample actually provides to the modernity of this version. As usually for the model, this platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon comes with a light-weight blue dial that not solely significantly matches with the color of the case but in addition has a singular sense of originality… and light-weight blue appears to be the color of the second!

One element to notice is the presence of an utilized Audemars Piguet brand at 12 o’clock, ensuing from a fancy 3D printing course of referred to as galvanic development. Executed in 24k gold, every letter is related with skinny hyperlinks virtually invisible to the attention. The signature is then mounted on the dial by hand with minuscule legs. This method was first utilized in Code 11.59 and now finds its means onto the dial of the Royal Oak.

Powering this watch is a contemporary in-house engine, the Calibre 2950. It made its first look in 2019, within the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. Giant, robustly constructed and automated, it was additionally one of many first flying tourbillons of the model – which solely began to make use of it in 2018, in this Royal Oak Idea watch. As you possibly can see, opposite to a basic tourbillon regulator held in place by a bridge on each side, a flying tourbillon is cantilevered from the decrease facet of the motion and dial-side seems to drift because of the absence of a bridge, leaving an unimpeded view of its rotations. Apart from that, this Calibre 2950 is all about fashionable options. It’s an automated motion with a central rotor and presents a snug 65h energy reserve. The ornament may be very nice, with vertical Geneva stripes, bevelled bridges and a rotor that’s openworked and completed with a number of inward angles, in addition to a discreet evocation of the long-lasting octagon.

Availability & Value

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Platinum and Gentle Blue dial (ref. 26530PT.OO.1220PT.01) is launched as a part of the everlasting assortment, but not made extensively obtainable… not a watch you’ll simply discover at your native retailer. Its worth isn’t disclosed by the model however anticipate over CHF 200,000 (excl. taxes). For extra particulars, please go to audemarspiguet.com.