IMAGE: AUDEMARS PIGUET

Audemars Piguet’s latest wonder might be a bit of a mouthful to pronounce, but that’s only because it’s pretty much the full description of this jaw-droppingly beautiful timepiece that will be available exclusively at AP boutiques from December 2020. The Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer has gone all out with the iconic Royal Oak, offering the Double Balance Wheel Openworked in black ceramic for the very first time. The sleek material can be found over on the watch case and bracelet, hand-finished to perfection using AP’s trademark alternation of satin-brushing and polishing.

IMAGE: AUDEMARS PIGUET

Not only does it make for a handsome design that will sit perfectly on the wrist, but the Swiss manufacturer has also given several thoughtful elements to elevate the Royal Oak to all-new heights. The black ceramic works extra well with the slate grey dial, and the pink gold-toned double balance wheel mechanism makes for a visual contrast that’s visible on both sides (all thanks to the ‘open-worked’ nature) of the watch. For those who don’t already know, the double balance wheel mechanism is a patented innovation released by AP in 2016 to improve the timepiece’s precision and stability, all of which is done through the perfect synchrony of two balance wheels and hairsprings assembled on the very same axis.

IMAGE: AUDEMARS PIGUET

The open-worked design (an AP signature dating back to the 1930s) is truly a treat for the visual senses, done only by the finest experts and horological masters who start with the end design in mind. They work backwards in calculated steps, almost in a manner of solving a demanding puzzle that requires immense knowledge and technical expertise. The end result is none other than the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, a fine balance that saddles aesthetics (traditional savoir-faire) and function (latest cutting-edge technology). Of course, the hefty price tag (SGD111,600) speaks for itself, and the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Black Ceramic will only be available in the 41 mm size, featuring the Manufacture Calibre 3132 that has a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.

For more information, do visit AUDEMARSPIGUET.com

IMAGES: AUDEMARS PIGUET