Audemars Piguet quietly released a new limited edition version of the Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph this week on their website.
The Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph Limited Edition comes in the company’s 38 mm x 11 mm case — which we wrote about in 2019 when it debuted — with an integrated Royal Oak bracelet and is crafted from 18K solid white gold.
What’s most special about this Limited Edition Royal Oak Chronograph is the beautiful light-blue “Grande Tapisserie” dial, with three light blue subdials and dark blue rings surrounding all three. The date wheel — with an opening at 4:30 — is color-matched to the same light blue hue as the dial.
An open caseback reveals the automatic caliber 2385 which is based on the original design of the Frédéric Piguet caliber 1185. Prior to being bought by the Swatch Group and eventually being transitioned to Blancpain, Frédéric Piguet was originally located in the Vallée de Joux, just down the road from Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus. The 3Hz movement measures 26.2 mm x 5.5 mm, has 304 components, 37 jewels, and a 40-hour power reserve. The bridges feature Geneva stripes, beveled and polished edges, and the mainplate has a perlage decoration. A solid 18K pink gold rotor winds the mainspring power barrel.
A flat sapphire crystal protects the dial, the crown screws down to the case, and water-resistance is rated to 50 meters. (Ref. 26317BC.OO.1256BC.01)
Retail is $59,000.
