Audemars Piguet has announced a new version of its Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin model Ref. 16202, with a navy blue grained dial.

This limited edition Royal Oak Extra-Thin Blue Grained is powered by the caliber 7121 and will be available exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques. The case has the classic “Jumbo” dimensions of 39 mm x 8.1 mm, although it’s not in stainless steel, it’s in heavier, more expensive 18K white gold.

According to Audemars Piguet, the grained dial “is inspired by a model created in 1992 for the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection to enrich the platinum reference 14802 and complement the collection’s historical motifs.” Created using PVD, the blue tone is covered with a translucent coating that accentuates the relief and brilliance of the dial.

Audemars Piguet’s new 4Hz bi-directional winding automatic caliber 7121, which was first introduced in 2022, drives the hours, minutes, and date displays. The caliber measures 29.6 mm x 3.2 mm, and the latter measurement allows for such a thin case. With 33 jewels and 268 total components, the automatic movement has a larger barrel than the previous caliber 2121 Jumbo movement, not to mention, the date features a flat, energy-saving mechanism with a new rapid corrector that has been patented, and the barrel plus power saving mechanism results in a larger 55-hour power reserve.

While the movement is technically and aesthetically impressive, and the finishing is excellent — with hand-crafted decorations such as Côtes de Genève, circular satin-finishing, snailing, circular graining, and polished angles — the beveling is, somewhat surprisingly considering the price, done by machine.

The Royal Oak Extra-Thin “Jumbo” Blue-Grained Dial (Ref. 16202BC.OO.1240BC.02) is a limited edition and retails for approximately $78,300.

 

Photos by Audemars Piguet.