Royal Oak Self-winding Flying Tourbillon Slim
Audemars Piguet launches the second version of the Royal Oak RD#3 with a diameter of 37 mm
Brassus, September 2022 – Swiss haute horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is pleased to present its latest Royal Oak Self-winding Flying Tourbillon Ultra-thin (RD#3) model. Complementing the 39mm “Jumbo” timepiece released earlier this year, this 37mm anniversary model pushes the limits of the Manufacture’s craftsmanship even further. The company debuts a flying tourbillon with a smaller diameter, thanks to its latest ultra-thin self-winding flying tourbillon movement, the Calibre 2968, which is only 3.4mm thick and adorns the slender wrist. Traditional and modern handmade ornaments. Equipped with an innovative escapement and an unprecedented plum blossom dial, this watch interweaves technical sophistication with the ultimate in refined aesthetic details.
Innovative ultra-thin flying tourbillon movement
At the heart of this innovation is the Calibre 2968, an ultra-thin self-winding flying tourbillon movement developed over five years. The integration of a flying tourbillon driven by an innovative escapement in the 39mm and 37mm diameter cases represents a major technical achievement for the manufacturer, as this complication was previously only available for the 41mm diameter. Given the limited space available, this self-winding flying tourbillon had to be creatively redesigned to reduce its thickness while preserving the original proportions of its cage, thereby repositioning certain components. For the first time, the tourbillon cage made of titanium is equipped with a peripheral drive, which also contributes to its slimness. 1 The combination of these two elements makes the energy distribution of the tourbillon smoother and, in addition, makes this regulating mechanism more light and refined. In addition, the new escapement relies on an oscillator with increased amplitude, which improves reliability, energy distribution and precision. cheap replica watches
In order to provide the best visibility of the flying tourbillon and movement, Audemars Piguet engineers completely redesigned the mechanics. On the back side, the bridges are skeletonized to reveal the inner workings of the movement, while achieving a harmonious and symmetrical aesthetic. On the dial side, the geometry and positioning of the balance arm has been revised to make the beating heart clearer. The technical design of the movement places the flying tourbillon at dial level for a better visual experience
The manual decoration of the movement components, visible through the sapphire caseback, combines the dynamism and classicism of the V-corner with the modernity of the tire’s character – a finish that appears on the main plate and bridges, replacing the traditional Côtes de Genève. The skeletonised rhodium-coloured bridges provide an unobstructed view of the contrasting pink gold elements in the mechanism.
Beautiful aesthetic inspired by the “Jumbo” code
The second RD#3, albeit with a smaller diameter, incorporates the dial aesthetic code of the “Jumbo” model released earlier this year. Similar to its 39mm model, this timepiece features a Petite Tapisserie dial, but for the first time in a vivid plum hue, obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to ensure a light, even and long-lasting hue across all dials.
Inspired by the original 1972 model, this new reference also includes bathtub-shaped hour markers and hands with a luminous coating for optimal legibility in the dark. The “Audemars Piguet” logo and the minute track are printed in white on the Tapisserie pattern. The rotating titanium flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock contrasts with the plum blossom background, creating a captivating aerial effect. moonphase-watch.com
Unlike the Jumbo aesthetic, the handcrafted stainless steel case and bracelet of this 37mm model incorporates the latest design evolution of the collection, which was launched on numerous Royal Oak models at the beginning of the year. The widened polished bevel and the increased taper of the bracelet links give the watch a slimmer profile while enhancing its ergonomic design.
Dedicated “50 Years” oscillating weight
Royal Oak Self-winding Flying Tourbillon The ultra-thin self-winding tourbillon features a central oscillating weight mounted on ball bearings and is equipped with two reversers 2 to ensure bidirectional winding. Specially developed for the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, this 22-karat rose gold rhodium-plated oscillating weight is engraved with the “50 Years” logo and the Audemars Piguet logo. Complementing the tones of the stainless steel case and bracelet, it features the collection’s signature polished and satin-brushed finish, which can be admired through the sapphire caseback.
A tradition of technical prowess
In 1986, Audemars Piguet launched the world’s first self-winding tourbillon watch. Conceived by Jacqueline Dimier, the design places the tourbillon escapement on the dial side for the first time. The Calibre 2870 is housed in an ultra-thin case that is only 5.3mm thick. Its titanium tourbillon cage remains one of the smallest in the world today, with a diameter of 7.2mm, and one of the lightest, weighing just 0.123 grams. This model is known as the Tourbillon Self-Winding Ra (a reference to the Egyptian sun god) because Jacqueline Dimier’s design gives the micro-regulator the appearance of a sun, with its rays scattered across the dial. A total of 401 pieces were produced before 1992, this complication opened a new avenue for haute horlogerie,
Thirty years after Jacqueline Dimier introduced the model, the manufacturer known for its innovative ability has launched a series of research and development models. In 2015, Audemars Piguet presented its first RD#1 Royal Oak Concept Minute Question at SIHH after eight years of research with EPFL, EPFL, and an expert group of watchmakers, engineers, and musicians. Table Supersonnerie prototype and sound specialist. With the introduction of the Supersonnerie mechanism, this watch takes an important step forward in terms of acoustic performance, sound amplification and sound aesthetics. 3 Three patents have been filed for the system, which combines a novel timekeeping mechanism with an innovative case structure. The commercial Royal Oak Concept Minute Repeater Supersonnerie version launched a year later,
In 2019, Audemars Piguet introduced a new innovation, with its 41mm Royal Oak Self-Winding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin model showing its prototype at SIHH a year ago under the name RD#2. The 6.3mm-thick calendar watch was powered by a movement that was only 2.89mm thick, making it the thinnest automatic calendar watch in the world at the time. To achieve this feat, the calendar functions normally installed on three levels are concentrated on a single plane. The manufacturer’s specialists have also developed two patented innovations concerning the integration of the end-of-month cam with the date wheel and the association of the month cam with the month wheel. Marking a turning point in the history of complication watches,
This year, the latest technological advancement of the watch factory, the Royal Oak Self-winding Flying Tourbillon Ultra Thin Watch, continues the previous innovations. Powered by the new Calibre 2968, these two RD#3 watches pay tribute to the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary by combining technical innovation with aesthetic sophistication.
