For the very first time, Audemars Piguet unveils a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar limited edition in full titanium exclusively crafted for the Chinese market. This limited edition of 88 pieces celebrates the Manufacture’s enduring history with China. For this limited edition, Audemars Piguet has chosen a dedicated complication embodying the Manufacture’s DNA. Featuring an ultra-light titanium case and bracelet hand-finished with an alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The slate grey “Grande Tapisserie” dial provides a delicate contrast with the black subdials and inner bezel as well as the white hour-markers. The color red of the week-indication hand subtly evokes Chinese traditional symbol of happiness and passion.

The watch comes with two additional straps: a red rubber strap which echoes the dial’s touch of color and a grey hand-stitched alligator strap matching with the case and dial aesthetics. This limited edition, which will be exclusively available in China, was developed in collaboration with Austen Chu —instagram’s @horoloupe— who contributed towards the overall aesthetics. Austen has been able to organically share his passion for watches with a growing fan base on Instagram over the past few years and became part of the AP family after visiting the Manufacture in Le Brassus in 2017.

For Austen Chu, “this watch embodies both tradition and modernity, prospering in tandem with craftsmanship. We chose to contrast the gunmetal titanium with the dark-red week indicator with matching straps, incorporating my Chinese heritage into the piece. Being able to collaborate with AP is a truly fun and eye-opening experience.” This dedicated edition has been limited to 88 pieces in a nod to China’s lucky number —an auspicious symbol.

The new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar China Limited Edition bears the reference 26609TI.OO.1220TI.01 and is fitted with a 41 mm case in titanium, while powered by the calibre 5134. The case back includes the information regarding the limitation on the watch without any unique numbering per piece.

AP previously released the Royal Oak Pride of China in 2008, which was a two-tone, 500 piece limited edition combining steel and pink gold with date and moon indication. The case back featured a detailed rendering of China’s Great Wall.

This is the first time ever a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar has been produced in full titanium. Limited to 88 pieces and exclusively available in China.

Sticker Price $78,300 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.