Audemars Piguet 2021

Recognised for producing spellbinding creations, Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet unveils the latest addition to its Royal Oak Offshore collection – a selfwinding timepiece that combines a flying tourbillon with flyback chronograph. Meet the new 100 piece limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph.

Just like the refreshed ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH 43MM, this one too features an ergonomic 43mm titanium case with large polished chamfers on the edges, and vertically curved bezel and glareproofed sapphire crystal. The black ceramics screw-locked crown and chronograph pushpieces also follow a refined curvature, while subtly echoing the movement’s grey and dark hues. The alternation of hand-polished chamfers and sandblasting finishing adorning the case and bezel also provides an impactful contrast.  Flip the timepiece over and you’ll find the sapphire caseback presents an openworked oscillating weight in 22-carat gold coated with black PVD and the words “Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition of 100 Pieces.” engraved on the edges.

The engine used here is the stellar in-house Calibre 2967, a movement that was originally released in the Code 11.59 collection, but has quite obviously been adapted to the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph’s new 43mm diameter –  which wearers can enjoy, owing to the watch’s partial skeletal dial. While the flyback function enables to restart the chronograph without stopping or resetting it first, the flying tourbillon making its rotation at 6 o’clock compensates for the effect of gravity.

Redesigned, the architectural titanium bridges adorned with black PVD coating incorporate titanium inserts for a two-tone contrast. While the titanium bridges have been finished with satin-brushing and hand-polished angles, the inserts present an alternation of sandblasted and polished surfaces for more visual appeal. In addition, the bridges’ external chamfers have been meticulously polished to remove the black PVD coating to further the contrast of colours and textures. The bridges also reveal part of the multi-layered movement’s two-tone components on both sides of the watch. Similarly, the flying tourbillon cage showcases the rhodium-toned balance wheel pulsating within. With 65 hours of power reserve when not on the wrist and water-resistance to 100 metres, this complicated limited edition is fit for sporty adventures.

“The aesthetics of the movement originally released in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection has been redesigned in the Royal Oak Offshore style with Calibre 2967. Its blackened architectural bridges, honed from titanium, have taken on a more sportive and bold look with decorative titanium inserts bringing relief, contrasts and plays of light. Opening onto the multi-layered movement, they also reveal new sporty decorations deeper down for a powerful contrast to the smallest detail. This is the marriage of tradition and innovation at its peak.”, adds Lucas Raggi, Development Director, Audemars Piguet

Another highlight of this watch is the dial. It is replete with intricate detailing. The movement’s dark hues are illuminated by 18-carat white gold hands, a white transferred minute track on the black inner bezel, as well as applied rhodium-toned AP initials realised in galvanic growth, appearing without the long-form signature. Two transparent chronograph counters, outlined with a black outer ring, leave the view of the two-tone movement unencumbered. Last but not least, the red chronograph hands add a vivid touch of colour.

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph is worn on a black rubber strap featuring redesigned grooves forming in the continuity of the studs. The watch also comes with an additional black hand-stitched large square-scale alligator strap. The AP folding clasp in sandblasted titanium also offers a new ergonomic design. All thanks to AP’s new interchangeability system that has been directly integrated into the case’s studs and buckle, wearers can now change the straps and buckles of their new timepiece themselves with a quick click and release. The double-push system also grants optimum security when the watch is worn on the wrist.

The Royal Oak Offshore collection also presents an assortment of two elegant calfskin straps in beige or brown fitted with the interchangeable system. More rubber and alligator strap options will be released later this year.