New Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
In collaboration with Haute Couture designer Tamara Ralph, Audemars Piguet unveils a new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon. Inspired by bold femininity, boundless creativity, and timeless elegance, this limited edition showcases a palette of graded hues ranging from brown and bronze to golden tones. This timepiece is an ode to powerful feminity and Couture fantasy. Presented on 22 January 2024 during Ralph’s runway show in Paris, this timepiece crystallizes the two brands’ forward-thinking approach to craftsmanship.
Audemars Piguet began its partnership with designer Tamara Ralph in 2020, pairing several of its watches with her Spring/Summer Prêt-à-Porter collection. This time, Ralph’s Couture universe inspires a marriage of bold looks and sophisticated luxury.
“My intention for the design of this piece is for it to capture the spirit and craftsmanship of both my brand as well as Audemars Piguet”
Tamara Ralph, Creative Director and Founder of Tamara Ralph
Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
Their seamless blend of ancestral expertise with modern techniques creates a refined play of textures and light. The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” Limited Edition features an 18-carat pink gold case adorned with Frosted Gold. To add, tiny indentations on the gold surface give a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. A polished bevel outlining the octagonal bezel further accentuates the visual power of the timepiece. These elegantly juxtapose with the case’s satin-brushed flanks. All in all, the alignment between hammered, brushed, and polished surfaces bestows endless plays of light.
Further noticing the fine craftsmanship, the caseback’s glare-proofed sapphire crystal is held in place by an 18-carat pink gold octagonal frame engraved with “Royal Oak Concept Limited Edition”. Last but not least, the hexagonal crown has a satin-brushed and polished finish that also plays with light. The case design’s cabochon-cut sapphire adds yet another touch of feminine elegance.
Dial of Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
The multi-layered dial is a masterpiece that takes inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Ralph’s Couture creations. Four overlapping circular pink gold plates create a ripple effect from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock, and a thin diamond-polished gold thread adorns each plate. An ombre of sorts comes to life as each layer presents a different color, from brown to bronze.
Sophistication merges with technical mastery on the flying tourbilon at 6 o’clock. The cage’s upper frame incorporates three rings radiating from a decentred disc paved with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds. Of course, the 18-carat pink gold hour and minute hands are both filled with luminescent coating for optimum legibility in the dark. At 12 o’clock, a pink gold AP monogram adds the final touch. A bronze-toned hand-sticked “large square scale” alligator refines the whole look and adds subtle elegance and glamour. The timepiece’s glittering hues and intricate details will catch the eye, just like a Couture piece.
Details of the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon
Delving into the heart of Haute Horlogerie, a hand-wound Calibre 2964 powers this timepiece, combining tradition with modernity. Additionally, the balance wheel and escapement mount a tiny rotating cage that completes a revolution every minute. Finally, inspired by the dial’s multi-layered aesthetic, five circles emanating from the back of the flying tourbillon cage decorate the back bridges and increase in size as they progress toward the periphery. In this masterpiece, design and movement development have merged to reach seamless harmony, much like Couture.
