Audemars Piguet has once again defied expectations with their latest innovation: a watch dial that shimmers like crystalline sand. This new technique, unveiled in two 34mm Royal Oak watches, adds a new mesmerising texture to the iconic timepiece.
The magic behind this new dial lies in the creation process. Imagine capturing the essence of a ruthenium crystal’s surface at an atomic level and then replicating that intricate pattern onto a tiny metal disc. That’s precisely what Audemars Piguet’s artisans have achieved. Using a cutting-edge process called electroforming, they transformed this microscopic blueprint into a stamping die, which is then used to emboss the dial. Aside from the technicality of it all, there’s yet a poetic quality to the dial that’s impossible to ignore.
This isn’t the first time the brand has harnessed the power of electroforming. The same process was used for the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition with its Crystal Sky dial. The 41mm watch is unprecedented as it marks the first time the singer/songwriter has collaborated on a timepiece. Additionally, it is the final version of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar to be equipped with Audemars Piguet’s self-winding calibre 5134.
A long-time friend of the brand, Mayer was invited to make significant contributions to his eponymous timepiece, including the dial’s design. While both the Crystal Sand and “Crystal Sky” dials leverage the same electroforming technique, the latter’s design was wholly birthed by John Mayer’s imagination and meticulously transformed into wearable art by Audemars Piguet.
Inspired by nature, the new Crystal Sand finished dials debut on two monochromatic timepieces. One is bathed in the elegance of white gold, while the other is offered in yellow gold. Both feature tone-on-tone dials that stand out with contrasting pink or white gold hands and hour markers.
To complement the ethereal beauty of the dial, Audemars Piguet cloaked both watch cases and bracelets in their signature “Frosted Gold” finish. This distinctive technique creates a mesmerising illusion of the dial’s Crystal Sand finish seamlessly cascading onto the case and bracelet.
The Florentine finish, an age-old technique, was initially proposed by renowned jeweller Carolina Bucci for the Royal Oak’s 40th anniversary. Audemars Piguet perfected the craft in-house and lovingly christened it “Frosted Gold.” By meticulously chiselling tiny indentations into the gold with a diamond-tipped tool, the surface finish is as visually captivating as it is delightfully tactile.
This shimmering effect, combined with the watches’ polished and satin-brushed surfaces, adds depth, texture and light to the Royal Oak’s design. Powering these creations is the self-winding calibre 5800, which offers a robust 50-hour power reserve. With this latest creation, Audemars Piguet has once again demonstrated its mastery of craftsmanship and innovation, proving that even the most iconic designs can be elevated to new heights of desire and sophistication.
Click here to discover the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding.
