Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak RD#3

Audemars Piguet unveiled the new Royal Oak "Jumbo" RD#3 Flying Tourbillon ref. 26670ST. Price CHF 157,500 (sales taxes included)

Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet presented the Royal Oak RD#3, its latest Research and Development timepiece whose full name is Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3).

Measuring 39 mm x 8.1 mm, this stainless steel anniversary model is the first “Jumbo” in history to be equipped with a selfwinding flying tourbillon. It took five years or research and development to accommodate this complication – previously reserved for 41 mm diameters – into the smaller volume of a “Jumbo”.

Case and bracelet are finished with an alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The colour of the Petite Tapisserie dial – Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 – pays tribute to the original model and is obtained using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process that guarantees a uniform tone across all the dials. 

The typical bathtub-shaped hour-markers and hands are filled with luminescent material for improved readability in poor light conditions. The Audemars Piguet signature, like the minute track, is printed in white on the Tapisserie motif.  The cage of the flying tourbillon rotating at 6 o’clock is made of titanium.

The tourbillon cage has been equipped for the first time with a peripheral drive that contributes to make the distribution of energy to the tourbillon more fluid while lightening and refining the regulating organ.

The geometry and positioning of the balance wheel arms have been revised in such a way as to make the watch’s beating heart even more perceptible. The flying tourbillon has been placed at the dial level, for a greater visual experience.

The sapphire caseback reveals the selfwinding ultra-thin (3.4 mm) flying tourbillon movement, Calibre 2968, and its finishes combining traditional and contemporary decorations. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), it offers 50 hours of power reserve.

The dedicated anniversary openworked oscillating weight in rhodium-toned 22-carat pink gold bears the “50-years” logo and the Audemars Piguet signature engraved on its surface. 

The integrated stainless steel bracelet is equipped with a folding clasp with the AP logo.

The price of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 ref. 26670ST.OO.1240ST.01 is CHF 157,500 (sales taxes included). audemarspiguet.com

Suggested reading:

- The history of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

- Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Concept RD#1 Acoustic Research

- Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak RD#2