Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph”
Originally conceived as a one-of-a-kind tribute to the Royal Oak's 30th anniversary in 2002, the Royal Oak Concept, or ROC, evolved into a collection in 2008. It has since served as the brand's platform for technical innovation, merging inventive solutions with avant-garde design and cutting-edge materials. Typically, these timepieces are embodied by robust 44mm men's models. However, Tamara Ralph's creation draws inspiration from the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, a 38.5mm model designed for women, introduced in 2018 and later presented with a frosted gold case in 2020. While the collection expanded to include Marvel-themed characters like Black Panther and Spider-Man, the latest collaboration with Tamara Ralph reverts to the more compact 38.5mm diameter.Last year marked the departure of François-Henry Bennahmias, the long-serving CEO of Audemars Piguet, with his concluding project being the Cactus Jack collaboration with Travis Scott. In the wake of the outgoing CEO's final venture, the incoming CEO, Ilaria Resta, wasted no time in unveiling her inaugural project. The latest watch is also a collaboration, introducing the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon "Tamara Ralph" Limited Edition.The sculpted case with a diameter of 38.5mm and a thickness of 11.9mm is made of 18k pink gold and further adorned by frosted gold. The gold surface bears intricate indentations made with a diamond-tipped tool, resulting in a shimmering effect that evokes the brilliance of gemstones.
In 2016, Italian jeweler Carolina Bucci introduced Audemars Piguet to the age-old Florentine art of frosted or hammered gold. Embraced by the brand for embellishing exclusive watch cases, this frosted finish is meticulously crafted at AP, utilizing a diamond-tipped tool to create minuscule indentations in the metal. The outcome is a subtle shimmer resembling frost, exuding an understated elegance rather than flamboyance. This hammered surface not only captivates the eye and touch with its beauty but also boasts remarkable durability, resisting scratches with resilience.
On the flipside is a sapphire exhibition caseback that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It is all held in place by a pink gold octagonal frame and reveals the hand-wound movement. It comes equipped with a six-sided pink gold crown that has a translucent cabochon-cut sapphire in its tip. All topped by a glareproofed sapphire crystal on both sides. Water-resistance can reach up to 20 meters (66 feet).
Although the case may seem familiar, the dial introduces a completely fresh design. It presents a captivating arrangement of offset concentric circles, blending gold and bronze hues in layered patterns that converge towards the tourbillon positioned at 6 o'clock. 
This tourbillon is adorned with three diamond-set rings, showcasing all three pillars of haute craftsmanship through its intricate movement with its decorative elements, and haute couture inspiration, drawing from the creative vision of Australian fashion designer Tamara Ralph.
Tamara Ralph, renowned for her expertise in fashion design, skillfully plays with textures, dimensions, and colors on this multi-layered dial, adorned with rich hues of brown, bronze, and gold, boasts a continuous sunburst satin texture. These elements are artfully reimagined in the dial's composition, featuring a layered arrangement of concentric rings. To enhance legibility, the pink gold hands are coated with luminescence.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph”
The “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” Limited Edition” (Ref#: 26630OR.GG.D626CR.01) is powered by the in-house hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber 2964 with 17 jewels, number of parts 207, and 21,600 vph. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on the watch is a bronze-toned pearly alligator strap, secured to the wrist by a 18k pink gold AP folding clasp. It also comes with an additional chocolate pearly alligator strap. This is a limited edition of only 102 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.
