Audemars Piguet recently released a new dial for their Royal Oak Dual-Time watch. The old model has been discontinued and so far the new version comes in one variation: a blue dial with a blue alligator leather strap. Although, we suspect more variations are coming at SIHH 2017 or later next year. Maybe even a new movement.
Currently, the movement is based on a design originally purchased from Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is not a bad thing. But aesthetically, Audemars Piguet makes a more finely decorated movement so it would be nice if they eventually switched to a movement that originated in Le Brassus (Audemars Piguet’s headquarters), not Le Sentier (Jaeger-LeCoultre’s headquarters, adjacent to Le Brassus).
Featuring a second timezone, day and night indicator, power reserve, hours, minutes, and the date by hand, the new version is practically the same as its predecessor, with the exact same movement. The only change is a new dial and strap.
For the dial, the applied “AP” logo that also acted as the 12 o’clock hour marker has been removed in favor of “Audemars Piguet” being printed in white on the dial at 12, just below the new double-baton indices. The blue dial features the Royal Oak signature “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers, and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. Combined with the blue alligator leather strap, it looks great, although it will surely look good with the famous Royal Oak stainless steel bracelet as well (that is not listed as an option at this time).
The case measurements are exactly the same at 39 mm x 10.30 mm. And as mentioned above, the movement, caliber 2329/2846, has remained unchanged. It beats at 4Hz (28,800 vph), has 261 components, 33 jewels, a skeleton rotor with ceramic ball bearings and a 21K gold weight, 38-hour power reserve, variable inertia balance wheel, and unidirectional winding. The movement is decorated with Geneva stripes on the bridges and rotor, and circular graining on the mainplate.
The retail price for the Royal Oak Dual-Time is $20,700. (Ref. #26124ST.OO.D018CR.01)
