WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
April 16, 2019
The Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra Thin Reveals Its New Allure | AUDEMARS PIGUET
AUDEMARS PIGUET
The "Royal Oak" Becomes a Dress Watch.
A Sophistication and Mature Charm to Cherish
The trend in watches is now shifting towards dressier styles. A model has arrived that profoundly embodies this shift: the pink gold dial version of the "Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra Thin."
Text by KOIZUMI Yoko
The Pioneer of Luxury Sports Models Reveals Further Possibilities
The "Royal Oak" was born in 1972 and is famous as Audemars Piguet's signature collection. It gained popularity for its distinctive octagonal bezel and the design that deliberately exposes the screws fixing it. This model is also known for pioneering the popular luxury sports watch genre that continues to this day.
The "Extra Thin" introduced here is a faithful reproduction of the original form from 1972. It is one of the "Royal Oak" family members revived in 2012 to commemorate the collection's 40th anniversary. The movement also follows the original, featuring the automatic Cal.2121. The dial is adorned with the "Petite Tapisserie" guilloché pattern, named so when it was first released for the "Royal Oak's" 20th anniversary. From these perspectives, the "Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra Thin" can be said to be a model that encapsulates the history of the "Royal Oak."
Incidentally, the nickname "Jumbo" was given in 1972, the year the "Royal Oak" debuted, because its 39mm diameter was considered large at the time.
Still, this pink gold dial is wonderfully understated and appealing. It exudes a refined, mature elegance, having shed its sharp edges and gained a sense of depth. While recent "Royal Oaks" have emphasized a sharp impression with blue dials, this model, aiming for the opposite aesthetic, is quite remarkable. Furthermore, not just the case but the bracelet is also crafted from luxurious white gold. Its slim profile means it isn't overly heavy despite being solid gold, making it practical. And with its 39mm case diameter, a size that transcends gender, I believe it holds the potential for shared ownership. What do you think?
Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra Thin
Ref|15202BC.OO.1240BC.01
Movement|Automatic (Cal.2121)
Case, Bracelet Material|18K White Gold
Case Diameter, Thickness|39mm, 8mm
Water Resistance|50m
Estimated Price|¥5,800,000 (excluding tax)
Release|Scheduled for June 2019
