Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak "Jumbo” Extra-Thin ref. 15202XT for Only Watch 2021

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo” Extra-Thin ref. 15202XT created for Only Watch 2021 will be on sale with an estimate of CHF 160,000 - 320,000

Following our introductory article highlighting some of the unique pieces that will be on sale at the 9th edition of Only Watch 2021, the biennal charity auction in support of scientific and medical research Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we continue to present in more detail some of them.

This time, we focus on the Royal Oak "Jumbo” Extra-Thin ref. 15202XT Only Watch 2021, the last reference 15202 powered by Calibre 2121 produced by Audemars Piguet.

In fact, reference 15202 and Calibre 2121 will officially retire at the end of 2021, making way for the new generation (you can read more about this announcement here).

  

The case and bracelet combine sandblasted titanium with polished Bulk Metallic Glass, a first at Audemars Piguet. Water-resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet, the case measures 39 mm x 8.1 mm.

Bulk Metallic Glass is a palladium-based alloy used in micro-electronics. When cooled rapidly, this alloy develops amorphicity and high strength, making it highly resistant to wear and corrosion. Hand-polished Bulk Metallic Glass is used for the bezel, the frame of the sapphire caseback and for the bracelet studs to offer a powerful contrast with the titanium case and bracelet links. 

Protected by a glareproofed sapphire crystal, the dial is characterised by the typical “Petite Tapisserie” decorative motif but with new grey hues.

The aesthetic codes of the initial Royal Oak as introduced in 1972 with the 5402 A series are retained. The printed “Audemars Piguet” signature and the mention “Automatic” appearing at 12 o’clock, as well as the applied AP monogram at 6 o’clock present the same position and typography as the original timepiece. In addition, the original printed denomination “Swiss” has been kept under the hour-marker at 6 o’clock.

Engraved with “Unique Piece” and the “Pd500” hallmark attesting to the alloy’s composition of over 50% palladium, the sapphire caseback reveals the selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 2121 beating at the frequency of 2.75 Hz (19,800 vibrations per hour). First introduced on the Royal Oak in 1972, Calibre 2121 was the thinnest automatic movement with central rotor and date indication of its time. The power reserve is 40 hours.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo” Extra-Thin ref. 15202XT Only Watch 2021 ref. 15202XT.GG.1240XT.99 will be on sale with an estimate of CHF 160,000 - 320,000.

Suggested reading:

- The history of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak