Audemars Piguet expands its iconic Royal Oak collection with two captivating new Selfwinding models, distinguished by their vibrant green malachite dials. Available in 37mm and 41mm yellow gold cases, these timepieces underscore the brand's enduring commitment to integrating rare natural materials into its esteemed designs. This release follows a growing industry trend for stone dials, a territory Audemars Piguet has explored since the 1960s, notably with ultra-thin dress watches and a 1988 Royal Oak featuring a lapis lazuli dial. These latest additions offer a fresh perspective on a classic, blending the intrinsic beauty of malachite with the Royal Oak's renowned craftsmanship.
The allure of these new Royal Oak models lies primarily in their stunning malachite dials. Malachite, a gemstone celebrated for its intense green hues and distinctive banded patterns, transforms each watch face into a singular work of art. The varying copper concentrations within the stone dictate the depth and intensity of the green, ensuring no two dials are identical. Crafting these delicate, ultra-thin malachite slices for watch dials is a meticulous process, requiring specialized lapidary techniques to prevent breakage, given malachite's relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale. This precision highlights the extraordinary skill involved in bringing these natural wonders to the wrist.
Unlike previous Royal Oak iterations that featured the brand's signature Tapisserie pattern, these malachite dial versions opt for an unadorned, polished surface, allowing the stone's natural beauty to take center stage. The absence of a date window, a departure from the earlier turquoise dial Royal Oak, further enhances the dial's seamless visual flow. Yellow gold hour markers and luminescent-coated Royal Oak hands complement the verdant malachite, creating a rich and luxurious aesthetic that is both dramatic and elegant.
Technical refinements accompany these aesthetic enhancements. The 37mm model, which saw a redesign in 2022 for the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary, now features a slightly increased case height of 9.3mm (up from 9mm), powered by the automatic calibre 5909, offering a 60-hour power reserve. The larger 41mm variant maintains its 10.5mm case height and is equipped with the automatic calibre 4309, boasting a robust 70-hour power reserve and excellent chronometric performance, thanks to its substantial 32mm diameter. Both versions are completed with integrated 18k yellow gold bracelets, secured by a triple-blade folding clasp, ensuring a harmonious and luxurious feel.
These new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding watches with malachite dials represent a sophisticated evolution within the collection. They marry the brand's heritage of integrating exquisite natural materials with modern watchmaking advancements, offering collectors and enthusiasts a timepiece that is both visually captivating and mechanically exceptional. The unique character of each malachite dial ensures that every watch possesses its own distinct charm, further enhancing the exclusivity and desirability of these remarkable creations.