The creative partnership of Audemars Piguet and Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci delivers another surprise with this eponymous 37mm limited edition Royal Oak in 18K yellow gold. The shiny, silver-toned mirror dial framed with the shimmering sparkle of a Frosted Gold case and bracelet takes the center stage as it replaces the traditional tapisserie. Described by its designer as ‘rebellious’ in character, this is an attention-grabbing piece, especially made in the image of today’s woman. A woman that is spontaneous, true to life and totally unapologetic.
Carolina Bucci’s original 2016 Frosted Gold Royal Oak was launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of the ladies’ Royal Oak first released in 1976, only four years after the launch of the Royal Oak in 1972. Carolina Bucci shares Audemars Piguet’s dedication to craftsmanship and is similarly inspired by family heritage. A fourth generation fine jeweler, her distinctive creations are modern, effortlessly luxurious and elegant. Every piece she designs is created in the family’s workshops in the goldsmiths’ quarter of Florence, Italy. Jewellery is her passion and her designs are inspired by her life so that her collections over the years amount to an album of personal memories.
This limited edition of 300 pieces is also already showing some design evolution as this is the first time the ‘diamond dust’ finish of the Frosted Gold appears in yellow gold, the designer’s favorite version of this precious metal. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Carolina Bucci Limited Edition will be sold under ref. 15454BA.GG.1259BA.02, powered by the automatic calibre 3120 with a 37 mm case fully hammered with Frosted Gold finish throughout, bearing a case back engraved with the legend "Limited Edition Carolina Bucci" and exclusively sold at AP boutiques worldwide.
Additionally, the presentation box for this new watch also holds a surprise. For the very first time, Audemars Piguet has decided to use a mirrored box bearing a Frosted Gold AP insignia. This mirrored box was also designed by Carolina Bucci who believes in showcasing the watch packaging as part of a woman’s closet, rather than keeping it hiding in the back or in storage along with other less important boxes. To the designer the box seems as important as its contents and the beauty of its design needs to be shared by taking a special place in the woman’s closet.
Above all, being almost without precedent in the annals of the manufacture, this mirrored dial is stunning. Carolina Bucci explains her inspiration with a certain, yet unexpected, creative logic. In her words: “With the first Frosted Gold design, I took the perfection of the Royal Oak case and bracelet and ‘roughed them up’ a little, juxtaposing the perfectly imperfect Florentine finish with Swiss watchmaking precision. Now I’m doing the opposite, taking the textured surface of the ‘tapisserie’ dial and flattening it out into a perfectly smooth mirror. The motive for both is to create something interesting and unpredictable. It’s a fresh take on an icon made in the image of a contemporary woman. I know women with a great eye for keynote accesories who are going to love this. The mirror is always interacting with its environment, ever-changing according to what clothes you’re wearing, the decor of the room, the lighting, the time of day, the weather.”
“For me, the Royal Oak is the watch. I wear it all the time; it’s part of my style, my signature. It’s a creation that has come with technical challenges. The mirrored dial is the most unforgiving component; only perfection will do.” Carolina’s complete satisfaction with the result, which, has surpassed her own expectations is testament to the Manufacture’s rigorous quality control as Carolina is being known for her eagle eye and uncompromising standards.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman of Audemars Piguet’s Board of Directors, Jasmine Audemars is an established fan of the Frosted Gold and has been wearing the first edition in 37 mm since 2016. For her in her own words: “The creativity behind the Frosted Gold watch is simply amazing. It is both art and a very high level of technology. With Carolina Bucci, we created a kind of masterpiece.” She sees the new Carolina Bucci Royal Oak Frosted Gold Limited Edition with its mirrored dial as ‘the final touch’. “It’s unique and fun. Who needs a selfie when you can look at yourself in your watch?”
Sticker Price $53,600 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
