Great design can last a lifetime which is proven with the Royal Oak that was launched in the 70’s. Looking at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak today it has hardly changed and still looks amazing. Although I never owned one it has been on my wish-list to add to my collection at some point. However with the ever increasing prices I wonder if it ever will happen. For sure it won’t be the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ceramic but what a beauty it is.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ceramic
During the SIHH we got to see this stunning looking Perpetual calendar with a full ceramic case and bracelet. Unlike what we expected it was an amazingly light watch so it’s very pleasurable to wear. Made in black ceramic this watch stands out from the normal steel and gold watches made by Audemars Piguet. And although the watch is mostly black it does have enough contrast to keep it from being a flat watch. As with Royal Oak watches the dial has so many details due to the tapisserie. Made on old machines they tranfer the dial design from a large disc onto the small dial. An impressive process with great results. We’ll go deeper into this in the near future.
A powerful combination of modern aesthetics and prestigious traditional complication.
On the dial you will find all the perpetual calendar functions with the day and date display on the left and right side. Months and leap year indicator have been combined into subdial at the 12 o’clock position. And at 6 o’clock you will find a moon phase with a sparkly display resembling the stars. On the rehaut you will find the weeknumbers which is something you don’t find on watches that often and can be very helpful.
Like new for a lifetime
Looking at the ceramic case and bracelet, both have been finished in the typical Royal Oak way with brushed and polished bevels. The best thing about the ceramic is that it is highly scratch resistent so your watch will keep that brand new look for a lifetime. However I usually see it a nice ageing process when a watch gets some scuffs and marks through time. This is what makes a watch unique also but not all see it this way. So ceramic sure is the way to go if you like your watch as new looking as can be.
From the back side you can admire the Audemars Piguet 5134 movement. This selfwinding calibre is based on its predecessor, the calibre 2120. Most important is that it has been enlarged to properly fit the slightly larger 41 mm case size. As you can see the highly finished movement is clearly visible through the glareproofed sapphire crystal caseback.
All the high-tec materials and complications sure come at a hefty price tag that will keep watches like these out of reach of the average individual but there will always be a market for it. For sure the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ceramic is a different watch from most while keeping it highly wearable for daily use. Keeping perfect time until 2100 makes it a great watch to pass on to your next of kin.
This watch can be obtained trough the AP Boutique only. More info on the official AP Website.
Technical Specifications
Case material: Black ceramic case with mixed brushed and polished finish
Dimension: 41mm
Movement: In-house calibre 5134
Power: 40 Hours with automatic winding
Water resistance: 20meter / 2ATM
Dial: Slate grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie”
Strap: Black ceramic bracelet
Buckle: Titanium AP folding clasp
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ceramic is 85.000 CHF
Gallery
40 hours of power reserve in a CHF 85.000 perpetual calendar is not enough.
I’d rather have an older Ferrari for 93.000 USD
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ceramic looks truly fabulous and the scratch-resistant ceramic will help the owner to maintain its gorgeous looks for umpteen years.
In spite of its striking looks and high-tech material, very few watch aficionados will be able to acquire it because of its high price (CHF 85,000/-).
As it is barely water-resistant at 20 metres, the owner has to ensure that this Audemars Piguet does not get wet.