Mounted on an identical inexperienced interchangeable rubber strap, this sporty new black ceramic iteration of its Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph brings intricate hand-craftsmanship, in live performance with cutting-edge expertise. In 2021, the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph marked the start of a brand new era of Royal Oak Offshore with a 43 mm diameter. This 12 months, the Manufacture launches a brand new model crafted in black ceramic. With this new restricted version of 100 items, Audemars Piguet’s mastery of supplies and hues takes one other step ahead on the event of the gathering’s thirtieth anniversary.
The manufacturing of the ceramic case follows a fancy industrial circulate, requiring meticulous programming, devoted instruments and expert personnel. Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder is mixed with binder content material, the composition of which stays a carefully guarded secret. This feedstock is given preliminary form by five-axis computer-numerically managed (CNC) milling machines, earlier than the binder is eliminated.
Every element obtains its hardness and closing color by sintering at roughly 1,000 °C. The element is then laborious machined with diamond-tipped instruments earlier than being pre-polished and pre-satin-brushed. Finally, all of the elements of the black ceramic case are hand-finished with the Manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfers. This juxtaposition of ending strategies provides life to the multifaceted case which toys with the sunshine with every transfer of the wrist.
This labour of affection now extends rearside, too, because the timepiece encompasses a ceramic caseback for the primary time within the 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore assortment. This high-quality element, engraved with “Royal Oak Offshore Restricted Version of 100 Items,” frames a sapphire-crystal show window revealing the internal work of Calibre 2967 and its blackened 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight matching with the case color.
The 2023 iteration presents a dramatic evolution of the selfwinding Calibre 2967 launched in 2021. This 526-part flyback chronograph motion is regulated by a flying tourbillon, whose single underlying bridge holds the rotating cage at 6 o’clock. Whereas calling on historic Haute Horlogerie strategies, this motion additionally sports activities a up to date, 3D structure which presents an thrilling canvas for aesthetic experimentation.
The architectural black PVD-coated titanium bridges, completed with satin-brushing and hand-polished angles, are enriched with vivid inexperienced inserts endowed with a fair aluminium coating, achieved by way of an electrolytic course of referred to as “anodisation.” Lastly, the brilliant exterior polished chamfers spotlight the bridges’ titanium base and add depth to the multi-layered motion.
The 2 translucent chronograph counters, outlined with a black outer ring, depart the view of the two-tone motion unencumbered, whereas 18-carat pink gold arms, illuminated with luminescent coating, glow on their journey across the dial. Moreover, a inexperienced anodised internal bezel, retaining in with the bridge inserts and strap, serves because the minutes observe, whereas purple chronograph arms add a racy flash of color.
This restricted timepiece is fitted with the Manufacture’s interchangeable strap system complementing the most recent era of Royal Oak Offshore fashions. This technique has been straight built-in into the case’s studs and buckle. The convenience and effectivity of the brand new system permits wearers to alter the straps and buckles of their new timepiece themselves with a fast click on and launch. The double-push system additionally grants optimum safety when the watch is worn on the wrist.
The watch’s inexperienced rubber strap might be swapped out for the second black rubber strap coming with the mannequin. House owners profit moreover from the ‘AP’ folding clasp in light-weight, satin-finished titanium.
