Audemars Piguet Unveils New Openworked Perpetual Calendar Models

Audemars Piguet has unveiled two new exceptional timepieces that showcase their groundbreaking in-house caliber 7139. This sophisticated movement, a modern interpretation of traditional skeletonization, evolved from last year's revolutionary caliber 7138, which provided an intuitive method for adjusting perpetual calendar functions, notably allowing both forward and backward adjustments. The new models, including a refreshed Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked and a debut Code 11.59 Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked, highlight the mechanical artistry within.

The Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked stands out with its distinctive material combination of lightweight titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG). The BMG, a palladium-rich metallic alloy, boasts glass-like properties such as exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and a brilliant reflective finish. This is masterfully juxtaposed with the satin-finished titanium case, crown, and bracelet links, creating a striking visual contrast that enhances the Royal Oak's sculptural lines. The 41mm diameter and a slim 9.5mm profile ensure a significant yet elegant presence on the wrist. Meanwhile, the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked introduces a similar movement layout but in a distinct aesthetic. Its construction features an 18K white gold bezel and case back, complemented by a black ceramic octagonal middle case. A curved sapphire crystal adds visual depth, and the crown combines white gold with black ceramic, finished with a meticulous blend of satin-brushing and polished chamfers.

Both models feature openworked dials that beautifully reveal the intricate workings of the caliber 7139, framed by a black inner bezel displaying week numbers. The Royal Oak's transparent gray minute scale and pink gold hour markers, along with its sub-dials with smoked sapphire rings and pink gold accents, offer exceptional legibility against the alternating dark and light gray bridges of the movement. The Code 11.59 echoes this design with rhodium-plated pink gold hour markers, white gold hands with Super-LumiNova, and red-tipped small hands on smoked sub-dials for enhanced readability. Both timepieces boast a stunning skeletonized pink gold rotor, barrel bridge, and balance wheel bridge visible through their sapphire case backs, demonstrating Audemars Piguet's commitment to exquisite finishing and design symmetry.

These new Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked models exemplify the brand's dedication to blending technical innovation with aesthetic perfection. The intricate openworked design not only provides a captivating view of the movement's mechanics but also maintains clear legibility, a challenging feat in such complex timepieces. The thoughtful combination of materials and finishes, particularly the bold use of Bulk Metallic Glass in the Royal Oak and ceramic in the Code 11.59, pushes the boundaries of watchmaking artistry. These releases continue to solidify Audemars Piguet's position at the forefront of haute horlogerie, intriguing enthusiasts with their perpetual quest for excellence and design ingenuity.