First released in 2018 at the SIHH, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked Black Ceramic ref. 26343CE was presented on a rubber strap and in a limited edition of 25 pieces in four different color accents on its minute track. But to make things even more interesting this year, Audemars Piguet also released the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked Black Ceramic with a matching black ceramic bracelet and in a limited edition of 100 pieces. This new reference 26343CE.OO.1247CE.01 watch features a 30-minute chronograph and a tourbillon in a full black ceramic look.
The sleek glamour of the black ceramic case, bezel and sapphire display case back marries well with the blackened mainplate, as well as the rhodium plated barrel, balance wheel, tourbillon bridge and gear train of this new limited edition. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked ref. 26343CE.OO.1247CE.01 features a tourbillon cage at 6 o'clock, a 30-minute chrono register at 3 and a running seconds register at 9 o'clock.
Fitted with a very robust 44 mm case in black ceramic, the case features the traditional satin-brushed finish that AP is very well known for. Built like a tank with a case thickness of 13.2 —almost as thick as a Royal Oak Offshore— but lightweight due to its ceramic case, this watch is simply as sexy as it gets.
Turning the watch over reveals the amazing AP manual wound calibre 2936 composed of 299 parts and 28 jewels. The calibre is relatively small —with a diameter of 29.90 mm— when compared to the diameter of the watch case. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph and provides a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound.
On the wrist, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked Black Ceramic ref. 26343CE.OO.1247CE.01 wears slightly bigger than its 44 mm size and more like a 45 mm timepiece. The wrist presence is immaculate and super light. Definitely a perfect daily wearer with a very sporty blacked-out look. Totally out of this world with its ceramic bracelet. Available in a limited edition of 100 pieces and exclusively sold at the Audemars Piguet Boutiques.
Sticker Price CHF310,000 —approximately $312,000 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
