Audemars Piguet unveils a new evolution of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-winding Chronograph, upholding the Manufacture’s forward-thinking spirit while keeping with traditions.
Housed within a 41mm 18-carat pink gold case, this model is equipped for the first time with the latest generation chronograph movement, the Self-winding Manufacture Calibre 4401, visible through the watch’s sapphire caseback. Two dial options are available, executed in blue or brown hues.
For the first time, the self-winding Manufacture integrated chronograph, Calibre 4401, launched in 2019 within the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, appears in the Royal Oak collection. This movement features a column wheel and the flyback function that enables to restart the chronograph without stopping or resetting it first.
The column wheel works in collaboration with a vertical clutch system. When the chronograph is started or stopped, the hands respond accordingly without any hint of jumping. Furthermore, the push-pieces feel smoother when pressed. A patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that each one of the counter hands instantaneously resets to zero.
For the first time, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-winding Chronograph has been fitted with a sapphire caseback, affording sight of the integrated chronograph’s column wheel mechanism in action. Moreover, the wearer can admire the views of the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and refined finishing, including “Côtes de Genève,” circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers throughout. The case, which has been modified to accommodate the new movement, now has a slightly thicker height of 12.4mm.
The dial features a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern and pairs blue or brown hues with pink gold-toned counters, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. The Manufacture has subtly updated the dial design. The positions of the minute counter and hour counter have been reversed, augmenting readability, while the date disc is located closer to the inner bezel. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-winding Chronograph model is available with a matching 18-carat pink gold bracelet or a colour-coordinated alligator strap.
