Audemars Piguet is making a big splash with three new versions of its legendary Royal Oak with skeleton movement. These creations in steel, black ceramic and yellow gold push the boundaries of watchmaking art and are establishing themselves as must-have collector's items. Dive into the fascinating world of these exceptional watches that perfectly combine technicality and aesthetics.
The Royal Oak skeleton: Audemars Piguet's DNA sublimated
The Royal Oak is undeniably the icon of Audemars Piguet. But the skeletonization of movements is just as much a part of the identity of the Le Brassus manufacture. Thus, a Royal Oak with a skeletonized movement represents the very essence of the brand.
Audemars Piguet has been exploring the art of skeletonizing since the 1930s. This technique experienced a real revival in the 1970s, when a new generation of the brand's watchmakers campaigned to revive this know-how.
A dedicated workshop was created and the CEO at the time, Georges Golay, set an ambitious first objective: to produce 100 skeleton versions of the 2120 caliber. Each movement then required 150 hours of meticulous work to be hollowed out as much as possible.
The Royal Oak Skeleton: A Story of Constant Innovation
The first watch with this skeleton movement (ref. 5442) was sold at the end of 1973. It was not until 1976 that 30 more examples were produced, making these first pieces true rarities. Production then accelerated, reaching 300 skeleton watches in 1978.
It was not until 1981 that this art made its debut in the Royal Oak collection, first in the form of a pocket watch. In 1986, the reference 25636, a Royal Oak perpetual calendar with a skeleton movement, made its debut. The 1990s then saw numerous versions flourish, culminating in the current collection.
Three new Royal Oak skeletons that revolutionize the codes
The three new references presented today are in fact new variations of existing models. They enrich an already extensive range of 41 mm and 37 mm Royal Oaks equipped with the skeletonized caliber 3132.
What distinguishes these new versions is their play on contrasts:
This bold choice highlights the skeleton movement in a striking way. The watch thus becomes a true showcase, highlighting the mechanical work of art it houses.
Technical specifications that live up to the legend
The three new versions share the following features:
Caliber 3132: a masterpiece of fine watchmaking
The movement is naturally the centerpiece of these watches. The 3132 caliber is not only skeletonized, it also offers a major technical innovation:
The skeleton work includes many polished internal angles, a technical feat that is particularly difficult to achieve. Although many parts of the movement are hollowed out, the caliber is not entirely transparent, which avoids the unsightly “visible wrist” effect.
A price positioning that affirms exceptional status
The prices of these new skeleton Royal Oaks reflect their exclusive character:
These new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak skeletons are key pieces in the world of fine watchmaking. They perfectly embody the alliance between tradition and innovation that has made the manufacturer famous.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply a lover of fine mechanics, these watches will not fail to fascinate you with their technical complexity and striking aesthetics. They represent the culmination of decades of watchmaking know-how and are true works of art to wear on the wrist.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton thus continues to write its legend, proving that innovation can enhance an iconic design without betraying its essence. These new references are set to become sought-after collector's items, witnesses to an era in which Swiss watchmaking is constantly pushing the boundaries of its art.
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