Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar model, which was re-designed in 2015 to a more masculine appearance, was the guest of our Hands On corner with its stainless steel case/bracelet version (REF. #26574ST.OO.1220ST.01).
When the brand is Audemars Piguet, the collection is Royal Oak and the complication is Perpetual Calendar, we do not have much to say... Designed by the legendary watch guru Gerald Genta, the iconic Royal Oak is a must-have for every watch enthusiast, especially when it is offered in stainless steel and powered by an in-house mechanism with Perpetual Calendar feature.
The case diameter of the model that has been increased from 39mm to 41mm, which was criticized by some watch enthusiasts with being named as “Royal Oak on Steroids”. However, it was actually a good job as the model had the opportunity to feature a better lay-out for a dial design that could be called busy. In the meantime, the new design managed to bring both classic and sporty features under the same roof by offering comfortable height of 9.5mm only. The case is equipped with AR coated scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides.
I will not comment on the craftsmanship of the model, as the AP standards we are used to be are much more available with this model. My only negative comment for the timepiece is the 20 meter waterproof value. I do not think anyone will enter the pool with a watch that features a Perpetual Calendar, but I still think that a value like 50M could provide more freedom in daily life for the owners.
The model we have here is the stainless steel case/bracelet version with a white dial (which I find to be the most beautiful one).Four different sub-dials are used in the dial of the model. The month and leap year is read through the sub-dial at o’clock, the moon phase is located at o’clock and the date display is placed at 9 o’clock. The week of the year function, which differentiates this model from the other Perpetual Calendar models, is shown with an extra center hand.
The moon phase disc is a work of art on its own. The craftsmanship in both the moon and the star figures is fascinating. Seeing such ingeniously crafted details increases your admiration instantly.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (REF. #26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) is powered by the brand’s new-generation self-winding movement Caliber Ref. 5134. Based on the Caliber Ref. 2120, the movement is optimized for the new 41mm case. The movement, which consists of 374 pieces, works at an unusual beat-rate of 2.75Hz and offers 40 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The lunar phase indicator only requires a correction every 125 years 317 days.
The model comes with the AP Royal Oak style bracelet which is highly admired by its sharp details and spectacular craftsmanship.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (REF. # 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) is a versatile model that can be used daily with any type of outwear. I had the opportunity to wear the model with a shirt and casual wear and the timepiece made a great match with both. The biggest reason of this versatility is of course the stainless steel case/bracelet.
The only thing that you have to worry about is the price tag as the model retails for $ 60,900.00 (US list). Once this small(!) detail has been resolved, you can be confident that you will be walking around with an art piece on your wrist.
