Final week, we lined a lot of the new fashions launched by Audemars Piguet, as a part of the 2024 assortment – which included a brand new ROO time-and-date, a good-looking new alloy named Sand Gold and a hanging collab watch with John Mayer. There may be one watch that we’ve stored away for now, nevertheless it’s a stunner. Primarily based on our all-time favorite, the Jumbo Further-Skinny case (the unique Royal Oak…), AP is bringing a brand new model of the Further-Skinny Openworked in white gold (16204BC) with a modern grey-on-grey color scheme.
The Royal Oak Jumbo Further-Skinny Openworked reference 16204 was launched as a part of the Fiftieth-anniversary assortment in 2022, which included the all-important 16202ST, the revised model of the traditional Jumbo. Principally an openworked model of the aforementioned mannequin, the Jumbo Openworked introduced again an idea that was launched for the mannequin’s fortieth anniversary, with the reference 15203PT, a 40-piece restricted version.
Initially introduced in metal with a monochromatic color scheme for its skeletonized motion, but contrasting fingers and markers in pink gold, it was additionally introduced in pink gold (16204OR) and later in yellow gold (16204BA). Now that the metal mannequin (16204ST) isn’t obtainable anymore, the one choices for such a watch had been luxurious and barely flashy gold variations… However the white gold mannequin right here fills the void for a modern, white steel model.
This new mannequin is all about supplies and colors. It’s, aside from these new specs, equivalent to the metal mannequin we’ve extensively reviewed right here. In brief, it’s an openworked model of the RO Jumbo, with the very same case dimensions (39mm x 8.1mm), the identical bracelet, clasp and bezel and a motion that makes use of the identical base too, that of the model’s new requirements for extra-thinness, the calibre 7121.
What adjustments is using white gold for the case (therefore the BC within the ref. quantity), bezel, caseback and whole bracelet. White gold is at all times a fabric of selection for a Royal Oak, protecting issues discreet and near the unique imaginative and prescient of the metal fashions, whereas including a contact of luxurious and a few further weight – which isn’t essentially a nasty factor within the context of an extra-thin mannequin…
The rationale why this re-creation of the Royal Oak Jumbo Further-Skinny Openworked appears like probably the most interesting model is all in regards to the dial and the contrasts. The unique metal mannequin, with its mild gray dial and contrasting pink gold fingers/markers, was perhaps a bit too shy and never the simplest to learn. Now fitted with a black internal bezel, a darker coating on the motion and white gold fingers, not solely do we’ve a fascinating monochromatic grey-on-grey look but additionally a greater distinction benefitting legibility.
Contained in the case, seen on each side of the watch, is the calibre 7124, developed in parallel with the 7121 of the traditional closed-dial Jumbo. The two.7mm skinny Calibre 7124 – thinner than the one used within the 16202ST, as a result of elimination of the date mechanism – boasts 57 hours of energy reserve regardless of a better frequency than its predecessor, at 4Hz. It’s outfitted with a recent slim oscillating weight mounted on ball bearings, providing bidirectional winding. Completed by hand to excessive requirements, this motion reveals no fewer than 324 polished V angles. The geometric spider-web impact is hanging. The again exhibits a traditional AP-shaped rotor.
Worn on a traditional RO bracelet in white gold, closed by a folding clasp, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Further-Skinny Openworked 39mm white gold 16204BC is launched as a part of the everlasting assortment. Whereas not restricted in numbers, its manufacturing will stay fairly confidential. It’s priced at USD 124,100. For extra particulars, please go to www.audemarspiguet.com.
