Audemars Piguet

The Royal Oak was originally intended as a time-and-date model when it was debuted in 1972, but it has since been produced with countless complications, including the most complex of them all, a grand complication. The tourbillon, an Audemars Piguet specialty, is of course no stranger to the Royal Oak, having originally appeared in the legendary collection in 1997 to commemorate the model's 25^th anniversary.

However, the newest evolution is presented by the current lot, this time with a flying tourbillon movement which was initially introduced in the Code 11.59 collection. The flying tourbillon, meaning there is no tourbillon bridge visible on the dial, has given the impeccable view of the complication. The upgrade looked simple but in fact the stability and durability are extremely difficult to maintain without both bridges securing the tourbillon.

The genius use of the striking “Evolutive Tapisserie” pattern focuses the sheer beauty of the flying tourbillon and the gradient smoked effect gave a darker periphery than the centre of the dial, bringing depth to the tourbillon whilst contrasting beautifully to the white gold hands and applied hour markers. The stainless steel case and bracelet on the other hand are both perfectly executed in classic style, with brushed surfaces and polished bevels. Meticulously made, the classic combination of steel and blue dial pays homage to the original 1972 Royal Oak by Gerald Genta where the current watch will be the epitome in any Royal Oak collections.