Story Highlight
– Audemars Piguet celebrates 150 years with innovative chronograph.
– Introduces Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Chronograph RD#5.
– New Calibre 8100 features revolutionary reset mechanism.
– Combines flyback chronograph with flying tourbillon functionality.
– Limited edition of 150 pieces, priced at CHF 260,000.
Full Story
Audemars Piguet is commemorating its 150th anniversary with a forward-looking release rather than a nostalgic tribute. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has unveiled the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5, a bold new interpretation of the chronograph.
This model marks the final entry in the RD series, which has been exploring cutting-edge innovations in fine watchmaking since its launch in 2015. Previous iterations have included the RD#1, which advanced sound technology with Supersonnerie, and the RD#2, notable for its record slimness with a compact perpetual calendar.
The RD#3, released to celebrate the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary, introduced a high-amplitude escapement with a flying tourbillon, housed in the slimmest 37mm and 39mm cases to date. The most recent addition, RD#4, revealed in 2023, is acclaimed as Audemars Piguet’s most intricate wristwatch, skillfully combining multiple complications while ensuring user comfort.
The RD#5 has undergone five years of meticulous development and features the innovative Calibre 8100, a proprietary movement that significantly redefines chronograph design. Historically, chronographs have operated via a hammer and heart mechanism requiring significant user pressure, but Audemars Piguet’s engineers have introduced a rack-and-pinion reset mechanism. This new system conserves energy during operation and allows for instant release upon resetting, resulting in softer, more fluid pushers that offer an intuitive feel similar to that of digital devices.
For the first time, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” integrates a flyback chronograph with a flying tourbillon, boasting a 72-hour power reserve. Maintaining the iconic dimensions of Gérald Genta’s original 1972 design, the case is crafted from lightweight titanium and incorporates bulk metallic glass (BMG) for enhanced durability and aesthetics. A double sapphire “glass box” crystal ensures the watch retains its sleek profile while supporting the dual complication functionality.
The crown has been redesigned for improved usability, utilizing an integrated push-piece that activates a red indicator, indicating the shift to controlling hours and minutes rather than winding the movement.
Reflecting the classic Royal Oak style, the dial features the distinctive “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” Petite Tapisserie pattern, complemented by white gold hands and snailed chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock. An anniversary inscription at 12 o’clock celebrates the brand’s 150 years, while the caseback highlights the limited edition’s uniqueness, marking each piece as one of 150.
Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, characterises the RD#5 as a timepiece “suited for today’s lifestyle that pays homage to the original ‘Jumbo’ with aesthetic simplicity.” Lucas Raggi, Chief Industrial Officer, adds, “We designed from sensation first – making the chronograph feel as natural as tapping a smartphone.”
The timepiece is priced at CHF 260,000 and is available at audemarspiguet.com.
