Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Audemars Piguet 37mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) in White Gold
A luxurious white gold version of AP’s extra-thin flying tourbillon with a sprinkling of baguette-cut diamonds and a dark blue smoked dial.
Considered the precursor of the luxury sports watch category, the Royal Oak turned fifty in 2022. As expected, Audemars Piguet went to town to fete its icon with a host of celebratory models. However, the excitement grew when AP unveiled the first 39mm Jumbo to be fitted with an ultra-thin flying tourbillon (calibre 2968). Officially known as the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3, the 39mm Jumbo was followed by a second steel model in a smaller 37mm case with a vibrant purple Petite Tapisserie dial. Today, AP releases a more luxurious version of its 37mm flying tourbillon in a white gold case gleaming with baguette-cut diamonds in the bezel.
AP’s extra-thin flying tourbillon movement – calibre 2968 – marked the brand’s third Research & Development project. As a complication previously reserved for 41mm diameters, AP’s technical team took five years to rethink the architecture to adapt it to the 39mm and 37mm models.
Marking a first for this 37mm model, the case and bracelet are executed in 18k white gold, decorated with polished bevels and satin-brushed finishings. As the thinnest gold model in the 37mm Royal Oak collection, the case has a thickness of just 8.1mm, a nod to the slim 39mm Jumbo version that inspired the RD#3 line. Water-resistant to 50 metres, the case has a glareproofed sapphire crystal over the dial and caseback.
Flaunting the 2022 facelift practised on some members of the Royal Oak family, the case features wider polished bevels and a more pronounced taper of the bracelet. The iconic eight-sided bevel with its hexagonal screws is now lit up with 32 baguette-cut diamonds, highlighting its signature geometry.
Also new to the 37mm range is the smoked blue dial colour obtained by PVD (physical vapour deposition). The smoked or gradient effect on the periphery is produced by spraying black varnish while the dial is rotating. The classic Petite Tapisserie pattern plays beautifully with the light, and the original Royal Oak bathtub-shaped hour markers are now represented by 12 gleaming baguette-cut diamonds. The original bathtub-shaped hands of the Royal Oak are featured here and filled with luminescent material to assist legibility in low light conditions. Performing its rotations at 6 o’clock, the titanium flying tourbillon cage completes the picture with its rhodium-plated balance wheel placed at dial level.
Powered by the ultra-thin calibre 2968 with a thickness of just 3.4mm, the openworked bridges and rotor offer a view of the movement. Replacing the traditional Côtes de Genève, the mainplate and bridges are decorated with traits tirés. Beating at a frequency of 3Hz, the maximum power delivery is of 50 hours.
Availability & Price
This 37mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 (reference 26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01) will find its way in the permanent collection and will be priced at CHF 240,000 (before taxes). For more information, please consult audmemarspiguet.com.
