The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 34mm Now In White Ceramic

In a collection of watches where one is more desirable than another, full ceramic Royal Oaks represents the end of the spectrum, the epitome of rare and cool. Putting the blue ceramic perpetual calendar aside, as the only one of its kind at Audemars Piguet, white ceramic is among the rarest materials used by the brand, with the white QP immediately coming to mind. But AP has recently applied the full ceramic attire to a more classic, simpler and more compact watch, the Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm. Previously only available in black with rose gold accents, it now returns in a new and highly appealing combination of white ceramic with a silvery-white dial and classic rose gold details. 

The full ceramic attire on Royal Oaks has long been reserved for some of the most complex models, such as the Tourbillon Extra-Thin, the perpetual calendar (in black, white, openworked or blue) and the Double Balance Wheel Openworked. It’s only recently that we’ve seen it applied to a non-complication time-and-date model. And while we’re still hoping for a full black ceramic edition of the Jumbo Extra-Thin 16202, this modern material remains, for now, the apanage of a compact version of the RO.

Launched in 2021 and discreetly revisited in 2022 for the 50th anniversary of the collection, the Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm Black Ceramic made an impression. Not only did it come with a striking combination of colours, with most parts executed in black with gold details on the bezel and the dial, but it was also the only full ceramic option of a classic RO. Now there’s a new model, which is made almost entirely in white ceramic, with some rose gold accents. The case, bezel and bracelet, while retaining the same design as all Royal Oak models and the same finishings, with ultra-sharp edges and a combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents, are white ceramic. Rose gold is now found on the bezel’s hexagonal screws, on the clasp and on the caseback (the black ceramic version features a titanium back).

The dial of this white ceramic Royal Oak 34mm comes with the brand’s classic Grande Tapisserie pattern and is rendered in silvery-white, matching the colour of the case. In the same vein as the exterior, rose gold is used in small touches on the hands and applied makers, all coated with luminous material. The date wheel matches the colour of the dial, and the logo is now made thanks to galvanic growth in 24k gold (that was one of the updates of 2022).

Under the sapphire back is the calibre 5800, a movement developed by Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier. A slim automatic movement with a 4Hz/28,800vph frequency and a power reserve of 50 hours, it is nicely decorated and comes with a 22k gold rotor.

While certainly on the small side for men, this Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm White Ceramic certainly makes an impact and will most probably attract both women and men. Released immediately, it will be part of the permanent collection and priced at EUR 52,400 or USD 53,000. For more details, please visit audemarspiguet.com.