A testament to both Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture is the recently released Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon limited edition, which was created in partnership with Australian designer Tamara Ralph
During the Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture Fashion Week, Audemars Piguet unveiled a new addition to its most popular line: the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon limited edition. Designed in partnership with designer Tamara Ralph, the piece was unveiled during Ralph’s runway show. This limited-edition Royal Oak Concept watch, made in just 102 pieces, was inspired by Ralph’s audacious and feminine style.
The collaboration between Audemars Piguet and the designer is strengthened by the release of this new timepiece, which was first shown alongside the designer’s Spring/Summer 2021 Prêt-à-Porter collection.
Presented in 18K pink gold, the watch’s 38.5mm case is enhanced with frosted gold thanks to an antiquated method known as Florentine, which Audemars Piguet has been using to adorn its timepieces since 2016.
The technique involves creating tiny dents over the gold using a diamond-tipped tool to give it a sparkling effect. The case’s satin-brushed flanks and octagonal bezel, which is shaped like a bevel and polished, complete the design. The brand’s signature hexagon-shaped stainless-steel screws are on the bezel; the crown, which is set with sapphire cabochons, also has this design.
The multi-layered dial is an intricate detail that draws inspiration from Ralph’s couture pieces. A ripple effect is produced by four circular gold plates, each in a different color (brown, bronze, and gold tones, starting from the center), that overlap one another and give the impression of emerging from the flying tourbillon cage, which is visible at six o’clock.
The brown and golden plate colors are produced by galvanic treatment, and the bronze color is produced by applying a layer of bronze lacquer. A thin, polished gold thread with a diamond finish completes each plate, giving the impression of depth. Hour markers are removed to preserve the aesthetic appeal. The AP monogram is located at noon. The dial is completed with a continuous satin-brushed finish that extends outward from the 18K pink gold hands.
The reverse side of the case back showcases an octagonal frame made of satin-brushed 18K pink gold that holds a glare-proof sapphire crystal in place. The frame is finished with polished chamfers and an engraving that reads “Royal Oak Concept Limited Edition.”
The watch is powered by a manual Calibre 2964, which beats at a frequency of 3Hz and has a reserve of roughly 72 hours. Similar to the dial, the back bridges radiate in a circular pattern from the flying tourbillon. They are finished with alternating satin and sandblasted textures, which add to the case’s Frosted decoration and depth impression.
A bronze-toned, hand-stitched alligator strap with “large square scales” surrounds the watch. There is also a brown alligator strap included with the watch. The finishes on both straps are pearly.
