As Audemars Piguet’s currently most sought-after collection—and one that has evolved over half a century—the timepiece unveiled for its 50th anniversary holds immense significance. Notably, it marks the brand’s very first automatic flying tourbillon skeleton watch; the importance of this milestone, both for the Royal Oak collection and for the brand as a whole, goes without saying. Indeed, even when looking back at the entire lineup of new Royal Oak releases from 2022, this model remains one of the absolute highlights. Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case, it features the collection’s iconic octagonal "porthole" bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. The entire watch is finished to the highest standards: from the watch head to the front of the integrated bracelet, every surface is meticulously satin-brushed, while the edges of the case and bracelet are adorned with broad, polished chamfers—creating a visual spectacle under the light that is truly breathtaking. In truth, the decision to introduce the brand’s first automatic flying tourbillon skeleton watch within the Royal Oak collection was entirely expected, for Audemars Piguet stands as a titan in the watchmaking industry regarding both tourbillon complications and skeletonized designs. Not only has the brand been pioneering skeletonization since the 1930s, but it was also the first in the world to introduce an automatic tourbillon wristwatch,Audemars Piguet Royal Oak replica watches.
From Audemars Piguet’s launch of the world’s first automatic tourbillon wristwatch in 1986, to the year 1997—which coincided with the Royal Oak’s 25th anniversary—when the brand first introduced tourbillon technology into this collection, the Royal Oak has consistently served as a platform for innovation. Subsequent developments—whether the fusion of tourbillon and chronograph functions or the creation of ultra-thin tourbillons—have all found a home within the Royal Oak family. Thus, the inclusion of a *flying tourbillon* (also known as a *floating tourbillon*) within this collection is not only logical but feels like a perfectly natural progression. Turning our gaze back to the dial, we find that the open-worked design remains resolutely monochromatic—a remarkably bold choice. After all, relying exclusively on a single color can easily compromise legibility; consequently, many open-worked timepieces feature high-contrast accents on their movement bridges. However, Audemars Piguet’s confidence is such that they harbor no concerns regarding legibility, even with a highly skeletonized movement. The hour markers and hands are crafted entirely from white gold and coated with a luminescent material, while the peripheral railway-track minute ring further aids in reading the time.
