There are special Royal Oaks, and then there’s the Royal Oak ‘Soleil’ gem-set. This incredible Royal Oak in 18K rose gold not only features one of the most visually striking gem-set dials but is also fully diamond-set throughout its case, bezel and bracelet. Featuring a 41 mm case in 18K rose gold, the Royal Oak ‘Soleil’ ref. 15502OR.ZZ.1222OR.01 is an absolute attention-grabbing piece not made for the faint of heart. Its pavé dial glows like a mid-afternoon sunset with yellow and orange tones like no other watch out there.
Things to Know About the Watch
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Soleil' ref. 15502OR.ZZ.1220OR.01 is one of the few Royal Oaks to feature a full pavé dial set with sapphires and a case and bracelet almost fully iced out. The dial alone is carefully set with 466 brilliant-cut graded orange sapphires totaling 3.18 carats and its case, bezel, and bracelet are set with 610 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 7.24 carats. A total of 1,076 stones were utilized to make this Royal Oak an absolute stunner.
But what makes this gem-set Royal Oak even more unique —other than the incredible number of stones that were used— is the gem-setting work on the bracelet that has left the center links and clasp untouched. Providing an absolute symphony of light refraction, the Royal Oak 'Soleil' ref. 15502OR.ZZ.1220OR.01 is not only one of those impossible to find watches but also one that takes a very particular person to wear it the right way.
The Movement
The Royal Oak 'Soleil' ref. 15502OR.ZZ.1220OR.01 is powered by the new in-house AP calibre 4302. This new automatic movement released in 2019 with the revamped Royal Oak ref. 15500 is much larger in diameter —at 32 mm— than the calibre 3120 and more suited for a 41 mm case size. Additionally, calibre 4302 is more reliable and it provides 10 extra hours of power reserve totaling 70 hours versus 60 on calibre 3120. The display case back allows for a full view of the movement with its open-worked oscillating weight in 22K rose gold.
On the Wrist & Price
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Soleil' while being a 41 mm watch wears slightly smaller due to the gem-set case, bezel, and bracelet. An incredible watch that only a few will be able to obtain and a very unique look that only the fittest can pull off. If you’ve been an avid reader of WCL for a long time, you then know that we don’t particularly love gem-set watches, nevertheless, this Royal Oak is one that we just absolutely love. Its gradient dial resembling the sun —Soleil— will shine brighter and eclipse any ‘rainbow’ out there. And for the price, it really doesn’t get any better if you are looking for a factory gem-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Sticker Price CHF 126,900 Swiss Francs —approximately $134,500 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
