Three highly creative timepieces dedicated to the Middle East have been unveiled by Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet.
These special editions were conceived in collaboration with loyal collectors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who were given the unique opportunity to give their creative input to the Audemars Piguet design teams during a Create the Extraordinary workshop held in Dubai in June 2022 – a first in the world of fine watchmaking.
To mark the occasion, the caseback of each piece is engraved with the words Special Edition and Create the Extraordinary.
Combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, these references embody the passion, spirit of innovation and collaboration that Audemars Piguet has been fostering for generations.
A bright aesthetic for the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
This special edition of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin combines titanium with Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), a first for this complication.
Used for the bezel, caseback frame and bracelet studs, the BMG developed by Audemars Piguet is palladium-based, granting it high resistance to wear and corrosion as well as enhanced brilliance.
Its mirror-polished surfaces offer a striking contrast with the satin-brushed titanium case and bracelet links, highlighting Audemar Piguet’s distinctive finishing techniques and plays of light. Finished with a smoked effect, the vertically-brushed ivory dial is decorated with Hindu-Arabic numerals, white gold hands and rhodium subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock indicating the month, the date and the day. For the occasion, the moon-phase indication at 12 o’clock has been harmonised with the design.
Powered by the ultra-thin selfwinding movement Calibre 5133, this reference blends aesthetic refinement with state-of-the-art technology. First launched in 2018 with RD#2, the patented 2.9 mm-thick movement combines all the perpetual calendar functions in a single plane instead of three, paving the way for a new generation of ultra-thin watches at Audemars Piguet.
The special rhodium-toned oscillating weight displays an arabesque motif inspired by a pattern observed in the Middle East and can be admired from the sapphire crystal on the caseback.
The Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in white ceramic
This special edition of the 41 mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked features, for the first time, a case and bracelet entirely crafted in white ceramic. The blue aventurine inner bezel – another novelty for Audemars Piguet – contrasts with the monochromatic look while elegantly framing the rhodium-toned openworked movement.
On the dial side, the white gold hour-markers and blackened Royal Oak hands with luminescent material further the contrasted aesthetic while offering optimum visibility in the dark.
Equipped with a double balance wheel mechanism, patented by Audemars Piguet in 2016, the selfwinding Calibre 3132 incorporates two balance wheels and two hairpsrings assembled on the same axis that oscillate in perfect synchrony and grant the watch enhanced precision and stability. Seamlessly matching the tones of the movement, the rhodium-toned oscillating weight can be seen through the sapphire caseback.
A play of materials for the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon
This elegant 41 mm Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon combines black ceramic with a stainless steel case for a sporty two-tone aesthetic.
Crafted from meteorite, the dial presents a one-of-a-kind stratified pattern blending depth and texture, making each timepiece truly unique. The grey inner bezel extends the dial’s harmonious hues, while refined rhodium-toned pink-gold Hindu-Arabic numerals and baton hour-markers complete the sophisticated aesthetic.
Considered today as a symbol of horological art that only a few skilled watchmakers master, the hand-finished flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock reduces the effect of gravity on the watch and enhances accuracy. Calibre 2950, the first selfwinding movement pairing a flying tourbillon with a central rotor, is visible from the sapphire caseback along with Audemars Piguet’s trademark finishing techniques. The grey rubber-coated strap complements the tones of this reference.
For more information, please visit www.audemarspiguet.com.