Considered outsized at the time, audemars piguet 40th anniversary royal oak openworked extra-thin tourbillon replica watch contributed to shaping the trend for larger watches and now represents a medium size. The platinum case is water-resistant to 50 metres and fitted with a glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, offering fascinating views of all the subtle details and decorations of the movement. The new folding clasp distinguished by a double-safety fastening system is also made of platinum.The 39 mm diameter of this Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak is identical to that of the 1972 Royal Oak.
As a specialist of extra-thin movements, the Manufacture in Le Brassus naturally chose this horological “complication” to equip the first Royal Oak in 1972. The famous Calibre 2121, one of the world’s thinnest mechanical selfwinding movements at just 3.05 mm thick, thus became the beating heart of the very first versions of the Royal Oak.A closer look at the Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak celebrating the 40th anniversary reveals that it epitomises the history of this legendary collection as well as that of Audemars Piguet itself, and of the countless skills cultivated within the Manufacture.
It is the visible expression of the evolution that has transformed an avant-garde watch into a truly iconic model. This engraved and numbered model conveying a legendary history is issued in a 40-piece limited series.The Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak model reinterprets the original codes and values of the collection, while effectively transcending them.
All the finishing audemars piguet royal oak openworked extra-thin tourbillon replica on the bridges and mainplate (polishing, satin-brushing, circular satin-brushing and drawn file strokes) are all done by hand. In addition to the openworking performed in an extremely modern spirit, the anthracite colour achieved by galvanic treatment gives it a resolutely contemporary appearance. The monobloc oscillating weight, entirely made of 22-carat gold, is embossed with the inscription “AP Royal Oak 1972-2012”. Its external segment is adorned with a “tapisserie” motif echoing the characteristic pattern of the dials in the Royal Oak collection.The extra-thin selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 5122 powering this anniversary model stems from a truly spectacular process, since this 3.05 mm thick movement is entirely openworked, even including its suspended barrel.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first high-end steel watch in due style, the Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak model introduced in 2012 naturally reflects the powerful aesthetic codes that have contributed to the lasting impression on collective memory that has been made by this collection. Moreover, the Royal Oak also owes its reputation to its case seamlessly integrated – a rare occurrence in 1972 – with a tapering-type bracelet composed of non-identical links arranged in diminishing order. These signature features that have been an integral part of the collection since its origins continue to appear in all the contemporary Royal Oak models, including of course the audemars piguet royal oak replica . Between the bezel and the case, the visible gasket inspired by historical diver’s helmets remains a distinctive characteristic of this collection. These notably include the octagonal bezel and its eight polished hexagonal screws – still made of white gold – secured on the back by eight bolts.
The openworked slate grey dial provides a stunning view of the skeletonised Calibre 5122. The date disc is made of sapphire so as to preserve the transparent nature of this movement, and features transferred black numerals. The date of the current day is revealed against the grey background of the metallised sapphire date window adorned with hand-drawn file strokes.
Audemars piguet replica watch is exactly what is on display in the new Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak watch, presented for the collection’s 40th anniversary in a 40-piece platinum limited edition. This distinctive form of expertise, involving engraving and hollowing a movement as much as possible in order to give it a light, airy nature creating a delightfully transparent effect, is indeed an art still mastered today by only a select circle of craftsmen.Associating within a single timepiece the constraints implied by extra-thin movements with the stringent demands of openworking represents a truly impressive feat.