Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Ceramic
One of the most iconic watches by Audemars Piguet has just been released in a full ceramic version. During this second wave of 2021 launches the brand has focused mainly on its “Royal Oak” models. Among them this “Royal Oak Black Ceramic” is the smallest of the batch and marks the first-time a smaller Royal Oak has ever received a full-ceramic treatment.
The 34 mm case is made of black ceramic with a mix of vertical brushed flat surfaces and polished edges, while mounted by the iconic “Royal Oak” octagonal shaped bezel in a matching ceramic with exposed 18k rose gold screws. 
The contrast between the black and gold really add a great deal of vibrancy to this overall dark-themed timepiece. Ceramic material is prone to bouncing off lights source, while gold brings on its own shinny qualities. 
On the titanium flip-side is a sapphire exhibition case back, which allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It features a rose gold oscillating weight adorned by the AP logo.
It comes equipped with a screw-down crown also crafted out of ceramic. In fact the only element of this watch that deviates from the “full-ceramic” description is the aforementioned piece of titanium on the case back. All topped by a sapphire crystal and with a water-resistance that can reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).
Time is exhibited on the iconic AP dial known as “Grande Tapisserie”, which is a pattern of large squares, obtained thru a hand guilloché that appears here in black with rose gold applied index markers.
This color scheme synchs up perfectly with the case to reinforce its dark theme. Besides the sparkling gold time indicators and AP logo on the upper-half the dial’s allure stems from its iconic pattern design. 
The rose gold central hands and hour index markers have all been given a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility. There is also a date aperture in the 3 o’clock position.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Ceramic
The “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Ceramic” (Ref#: 77350CE.OO.1266CE.01) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber AP 5800 with 28 jewels, 189 components and 21,600 vph. A very recent production since this caliber only debuted in 2020. Power reserve on these watches can last up to 50 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted to the watch is a matching black ceramic bracelet, secured to the wrist by a titanium folding clasp. These watches will become available starting in October 2021. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.
MSRP: $45,200.00 USD
