2012 is the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak, penned by the late Gerald Genta. One of the models to mark the anniversary was recently unveiled as a SIHH 2012 preview. The Openworked Extra-Thin Royal Oak is just that – a slim, automatic watch with a skeletonised dial. The platinum case is the same 39 mm diameter as the 1972 original. Inside beats the in-house cal. 5122. This will be limited to 40 pieces.

For the anniversary of what AP calls a “spectacular non-conformist” watch I am hoping there will be more in store besides this skeletonised Royal Oak. A Royal Oak Starwheel which myself and others have long talked abou perhaps. Or a new Royal Oak Concept. This is just ho-hum.

– SJX