Audemars Piguet has released eight new women’s Royal Oak models in a range of colours and materials.
The new editions rework the iconic design codes of the original model which was first released in 1972, a luxury steel watch before the concept existed. Gerald Genta put a sporty luxury at the heart of his design, his geometric silhouette and integrated bracelet creating a fluid and enduring piece. Now, this new collection trips down the colour spectrum, beginning on the dark side with the Royal Oak Selfwinding in black ceramic. By juxtaposing materials and colours – slick ceramic against the textured tapestry of the guilloché dial, and inky black against rose gold accents – it brings a contemporary reinterpretation to the use of ceramic, first debuted in the Royal Oak in the 1980s.
The Royal Oak Selfwinding in Frosted Gold also builds on the collection launched last year, referencing the jewellery technique developed with jewellery designer Carolina Bucci which first appeared in 2016. This new edition in white gold is complete with a subtle shimmer, a consequence of the traditional Florentine jewellery technique which makes tiny impressions in the surface of the gold using a diamond-tipped tool. The resulting glittering effect is a vivid foil for the cool blue of the tapestry dial.
The colours grow more vivid in the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph crafted in solid 18-carat pink gold, with baguette-cut amethysts framing a matching dial. The colour of the dial flits from purple to pink to blue with the changing of the light, a result of the layers of shimmering purple PVD.
Finally, five new rainbow versions complete the bold line-up. The bezel, set with multi-coloured gemstones, frames an openworked dial which is set in either white, pink or yellow Frosted Gold for a colourful finale.
INFORMATION
-
Copper piping turns contemporary lighting: the twist in JamesPlumb’s designs at Gallery FumiDesign studio JamesPlumb presents sculptural copper chandeliers and floor lights in its solo exhibition 'Rooted' at Gallery Fumi (until 25 January 2025)
-
Circling back: Lars Tunbjörk's uncanny office photography is revisited in a new bookFirst published in 2001 and long since sold out, 'Office' is revisited this month by the publisher Loose Joints, released with a second volume shot in Los Angeles, the previously unpublished LA Office
-
A Peckham house design unlocks a spatial puzzle in south LondonAudacious details, subtle colours and a product designer for a client make this Peckham house conversion a unique spatial experience
-
Samuel Ross unveils his Hublot Big Bang watch designSamuel Ross brings a polished titanium case and orange rubber strap to the Hublot Big Bang watch
-
Playful design meets chic heritage in the Hermès Kelly watchThe new Kelly watch from Hermès rethinks the original 1975 timepiece
-
Discover the tonal new hues of the classic Nomos Club Campus watchThe Nomos classic wristwatch Club Campus now comes in two new collegiate colours. The perfect graduation gift from the Glashütte manufacture
-
Bulgari unveils the thinnest mechanical watch in the worldThe new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra watch is a record-breaking feat of engineering
-
Breitling and Triumph unite on a racy new watch and motorcycle1960s design codes are infused with a contemporary edge in the collaboration between Breitling and Triumph
-
Gerald Genta’s mischievous Mickey Mouse watch design is rethought for a new eraThe Gerald Genta Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse watch pays tribute to Genta’s humorous design codes
-
Shinola honours Georgia O’Keeffe with a new watchShinola Birdy watch stays faithful to the minimalist codes of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, My Last Door
-
Bulgari’s new book celebrates women and high jewelleryBulgari Magnifica: The Power Women Hold, published by Rizzoli New York, takes a closer look at the female muses who inspired the spectacular Magnifica high jewellery collection
