Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is pleased to unveil a new Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph, limited to 200 pieces, which unites the worlds of Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie. This 41 mm 18-carat white gold model finished with Frosted Gold is equipped with the Manufacture’s latest generation chronograph movement, the Selfwinding Calibre 4401, first introduced in the Royal Oak collection this year.
AVANT-GARDE AND TRADITIONAL
The case and bracelet are presented in 18-carat white Frosted Gold and feature polished chamfers and crown. While the richly textured surfaces appear avant-garde, they are created using an ancient gold hammering method, also known as the Florentine technique, produced in collaboration with Carolina Bucci.
A “diamond-dust” effect is created by gently tapping the case and bracelet with a diamond-tipped tool. This artisanal process imbues the various surfaces with small indentations which exhibit a brilliant appearance similar to that of precious stones. The numerous facets evince a shimmering sparkle depending on the prevailing light.
A FULLY INTEGRATED CHRONOGRAPH
At the heart of this watch is the Manufacture’s latest generation chronograph movement, the selfwinding Calibre 4401. It is fully integrated and features a column wheel and a flyback function. Unlike a regular chronograph, the flyback function allows the wearer to stop, reset and start the chronograph in one simple action. 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 smooth when pressed. A patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that each one of the counter hands instantaneously resets to zero.
ENJOY THE VIEW
The Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph is fitted with a new sapphire caseback, affording sight of the integrated chronograph’s column wheel and the so-called “dance” of the chronograph hammers. Moreover, the wearer is granted views of the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and refined finishing, including “Côtes de Genève,” circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers throughout.
LIGHT GREY – A NEW SHADE OF DIAL
The dial is presented in a light grey hue, a new shade for the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding Chronograph. It features a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. The rhodium-toned minute counter and hour counter have been repositioned, augmenting readability, while the date disc is located closer to the inner bezel. Evolving with the surrounding environment, the timepiece’s nuanced shades of grey radiate contemporary elegance.
