Have you ever thought about the relationship between the changes of the moon and the precise timing of a watch? Audemars Piguet’s latest Royal Oak series skeletonized perpetual calendar watch not only accurately displays the moon phase, but also cleverly integrates NASA high-definition images into the design, which will definitely open your eyes! Want to know how this watch perfectly combines practicality and beauty? Read on!
Moon phase display and precise perpetual calendar
Audemars Piguet has made a new design for the moon phase display at 6 o’clock on the Royal Oak series skeleton perpetual calendar watch launched in 2023, which has become the focus of everyone’s discussion.
The moon phase display at 6 o’clock on the dial is decorated with NASA high-definition images. In this way, the watch can accurately display the eight different phases of the moon in 29.5 days. This is a very interesting design, and it also makes the watch a step further in terms of aesthetics.
In addition to the moon phase display, this watch also has a perpetual calendar function. It is worth mentioning that it can automatically identify the number of days in each month, ensuring that when fully wound, there is no need to manually correct the perpetual calendar function until 2100. This design not only improves the practicality of the watch, but also makes it more convenient for the wearer.
The history and application of Caliber 5135 movement
Caliber 5135 movement is not the first movement equipped with this watch. It first appeared in 2011 and was designed based on the historical movement of 1978. For nearly ten years, Caliber 5135 has been serving Audemars Piguet’s skeletonized perpetual calendar models.
It should be noted that the Royal Oak series skeleton perpetual calendar watch released in 2023 is equipped with a Caliber 5135 movement. This means that this movement will make an elegant comeback in the 41mm self-winding skeleton perpetual calendar model.
Material innovation and watch design
When Audemars Piguet applied block metallic glass (BMG) to a watch for the first time, it marked an important step in Audemars Piguet’s innovation in material application. BMG is a new high-tech material that is obtained by melting a special alloy and then cooling it quickly. This material offers excellent durability, scratch resistance, anti-magnetic properties, lightness and aesthetics.
The combination of BMG and titanium metal on watches is a further upgrade of material innovation. This combination not only improves the durability of the watch, but also adds visual beauty, making the watch even more outstanding.
The unique design of the 150th Anniversary Edition watch
In 2025, Audemars Piguet will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the brand. Prior to this, they had released many 150th anniversary models. The Royal Oak series skeleton perpetual calendar watch released in 2023 is one of them.
This watch is a 150th anniversary limited edition with only 150 pieces. They incorporate many 150th anniversary exclusive designs into the detailed design, such as the letters “AP” and the words “150th Anniversary” on the case.
Through these details, Audemars Piguet pays tribute to the brand’s watchmaking heritage and innovation.
This watch is made of titanium and block metallic glass (BMG) high-tech materials. The 41 mm diameter is very suitable for daily wear. The addition of BMG material gives the watch higher durability and also improves its aesthetics. Because the BMG material is dark-toned and has a hollow feel, the visual effect is extremely outstanding when paired with a case made of titanium.
The inner and outer rings of this watch are decorated with rich blue. The use of blue on the inner and outer rings makes this watch highly recognizable.
This design is inspired by the Ref. 25729 pocket watch in the Audemars Piguet Museum. This pocket watch was made by Jules-Louis Audemars, one of the founders of Audemars Piguet, in 1921. It uses a contrasting color design and is the first pocket watch equipped with a skeleton movement. This time, reinterpreting the contrasting aesthetics of pocket watches and applying it to the 150th anniversary model is a way for Audemars Piguet to pay tribute to the brand’s history.
Market response and collection value
At the beginning of its release, this watch caused a lot of discussion. Many people said that this watch is equipped with a moon phase display rather than other more complex functions. In fact, it is not too luxurious.
But judging from the release strategy of a limited edition of 150 pieces, this statement is obviously not valid. After all, a watch that can be issued in limited quantities must be of high enough value. Moreover, the limited quantity of 150 pieces further enhances the collection value of this watch.
In the high-end watch circle, there are not many people who can combine moon phase, perpetual calendar, and hollowing out perfectly. Although the Caliber 5135 movement is about to retire from the stage of history, through this limited edition commemorative watch, Audemars Piguet still shows everyone its profound heritage in aesthetic design and material innovation.
This Royal Oak series skeleton perpetual calendar watch, limited to 150 pieces, will also become an important part of inheriting and carrying forward the watchmaking spirit of Audemars Piguet.
Conclusion
This Royal Oak series skeleton perpetual calendar watch is not only the crystallization of technology, but also Audemars Piguet’s tribute to the brand’s history. The limited release strategy of 150 pieces has undoubtedly enhanced its collection value. Do you think such a watch is worth owning? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to like and support!