Audemars Piguet reinterprets the acclaimed Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm model family with the special Frosted Gold theme that brings together luxury and craftsmanship.
Before moving on to the new version, let's briefly recall the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph model family. The model, which was added to the brand's product line in 1997 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection, came with a 39mm diameter case and a Piguet-based movement when it was introduced. The model family, which reached 2012 with minor updates, said hello to its new 41mm diameter case in the same year. Continuing its commitment to the outsourced movement, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph received an in-house movement in 2021, based on the automatic caliber in the Code 11.59 model, developed and produced entirely under the roof of AP.
Although the most important difference of the newly introduced model is the 18K white gold case and bracelet with the brand-specific Frosted Gold finish, let's talk about the features of the current Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph platform through this new version.
The model comes with an 18K white gold case with a diameter of 41mm and a height of 12.38mm. On the surface of the case and the bracelet, which gave the AP RO concept its well-deserved fame, there is the Frosted Gold finish added to the brand's product line in 2016. Developed by the Italian jewelry designer Caroline Bucci, one of the successful artists of this method, which is also known as the forging technique, this process adds a frosted glass-like appearance to the horizontal surfaces of the watch. The case, which also includes the octagonal bezel, one of the symbol details of the model family, is home to the screw-lock chronograph buttons as well as the screw-lock crown. The case, which has sapphire crystals on both sides, is waterproof up to 50 meters.
The new model sports a gray dial that exhibits a perfectly harmonious look with both the white gold tone and the Frosted Gold finish. Baton hands and indices serve on the dial that also features the Grande Tapisserie motif, which has become synonymous with the Royal Oak concept. The dial, which also includes chronograph counters placed in the 3/6/9 layout, contributes to the gray theme of the model with the help of the gray date disc visible through the window at 4:30.
The Caliber 4401, which we are familiar with from the current Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph collection, beats inside the model. Based on the movement used in the Code 11.59 model family, the automatic Flyback chronograph caliber offers a power reserve time of up to 70 hours when fully wound.
The list price for the model, which is limited to only 200 pieces, is EUR 78,900.
