Like the snow blizzard that puts out the campfire, the ladies Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon ref. 26227BC.ZZ.D011CR.01 with its diamond encrusted case is like ice on fire as the watch rests over a Feu de Bois Diptyque candle. With its perfectly sized 38.5 mm white gold case, the watch’s distinctive aesthetic brilliantly evokes winter in the Vallée de Joux where it takes its inspiration. The white gold dial sparkles with diamond-set, faceted pyramids and white lacquer finishing as the openwork ‘snowflake’ barrel echoes diamond ‘ice’ on the flying tourbillon escapement. The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Ladies is the first Royal Oak Concept model for women since the launch of the collection in 2002.
Like a work of art or an ice sculpture, the openworked dial reveals the watch's flying tourbillon, while the 18K white gold case, dial and inner bezel are set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The dial set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds totals approximately 0.16 carats. Meanwhile, the movement is delicately decorated with nine brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.02 carats.
Invisibly set in white gold, the diamonds are meticulously fixed by the expert jeweller, who takes over an hour to position each stone. Additionally, for the very first time, a flying tourbillon appears in an Audemars Piguet watch. Apparently unattached, it whirs ceaselessly, like a snowflake in a blizzard, compensating for the effect of gravity and enhancing the watch’s accuracy.
The watch is totally inspired by a winter day in the Vallée de Joux where icicles, snow and particles of ice glint in the air. It is the first Royal Oak Concept model for women since the origin of the collection in 2002. It is also the first Audemars Piguet flying tourbillon, a dynamic complication that appears to float at the heart of the newly designed movement. This manual wound movement composed of 255 parts provides a power reserve of 72 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph.
The watch is delivered on a hand-stitched ‘large square scale’ white alligator strap with 18K white gold AP folding clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds and with a very unique white ‘constellation’ rubber strap.
Sticker Price CHF190,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $188,000 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
