During our visit to the SIHH 2014 in Geneva a few weeks ago, we ran into a handful of fascinating timepieces worth talking about. This time is the turn for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Extra-Thin Tourbillon ref. 26511PT.OO.1220PT.01, which is one of the thinnest tourbillon movements in the market. This watch is only available in a limited series of 40 pieces in platinum and fortunately enough, we were able to witness the stainless steel prototype of this watch —featured here— during our meeting with Audemars Piguet. This fascinating timepiece was launched to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2012 and is as exceptional as it gets.

Fitted with a 950 platinum case measuring 41 mm in diameter and only 8.85 mm in thickness, this exceptional timepiece is fitted with anti-reflective treated sapphire crystals on front and back and the most beautiful openworked slate grey dial we have seen in a very long time. The openworked —skeletonized— dial features an anthracite galvanic treatment, white gold applied hour-markers, hands with luminescent coating and a platinum tourbillon at 6 o'clock.

The beating heart inside this timepiece is the manual wound Audemars Piguet calibre 2924 composed of 216 parts, 25 jewels, a thickness of 4.46 mm and which provides a power reserve of 70 hours when fully wound. This calibre also includes a discreet power reserve indicator and is a real treat for the eyes.

Fitted with the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak bracelet, this watch is just as comfortable as any other Royal Oak on the wrist. The wrist presence is unparalleled and this watch is another perfect example of why 'to break the rules you first must master them'. Special thanks to Audemars Piguet for letting us peruse this very special timepiece during our visit at the SIHH 2014. Until next year!!!

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.