Audemars Piguet (AP) debuts an entirely new look for its thinnest-ever perpetual with the  Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Greater China. Crafted entirely in yellow gold in a first for the model, the limited edition even sports a gilded dial with matching yellow gold moon disc.

Initial thoughts

The Royal Oak is inarguably the face of AP. And amongst Royal Oak models, the ultra-thin perpetual calendar stands out for its technical sophistication. Derived from the Royal Oak RD#2 concept watch, the Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin has a cleverly engineered movement that spreads out the calendar mechanism to minimise its height. That results in a slim case that enhances the proportions of the Royal Oak design.

The signature starry moon phase features yellow gold-toned moons

The Greater China edition is a major departure from the grey and blue tones of the prior two versions. It’s loud and definitely not for everyone, but it does look good. At the same time, it also references vintage Royal Oak perpetual calendar models that featured similar all-gold livery.

Though the price is only on request, the Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin mode in general is pricey, arguably more expensive than it should be in fact, but it looks and feels great on the wrist.

Yellow moons

Crafted from 18k yellow gold, the ultra-thin yellow gold case is 41 mm in diameter and 6.2 mm in thickness. Water resistant to only 20 m due to its thinness, the case is finished in traditional Royal Oak style, with satin-brushed surfaces and mirror-polished bevels. Because it is entirely in gold, the case and bracelet are particularly lustrous.

Finished in yellow gold plating to match, the dial is satin-brushed vertically, featuring stepped sub-dials for the calendar indicators. The moon phase indicator at 12 o’clock sports twin gold-plated moons to match. Both hands as well as the applied indices are solid yellow gold.

The self-winding in-house cal. 5133 inside is just 2.9 mm thick, despite being made up of 256 components. It beats at 19,800 beats per hour (2. 75 Hz) and offers 40 hours of power reserve.

Sporting a skeletonised rotor with an “AP” logo, the movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève on its bridges.

Key facts and price

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Limited Edition for Greater China
Ref. 26586BA.OO.1240BA.99

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 6.2 mm
Material: Yellow gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 20 m

Movement: Cal. 5133
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase, and perpetual calendar with day-and-night and leap-year indicators
Frequency: 19,800 beats per hour (2. 75 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Integrated yellow gold bracelet

Limited edition: 88 pieces
Availability: Now at Audemars Piguet boutiques in Greater China only
Price: Upon request

For more, visit audemarspiguet.com.