Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked

The Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41mm (Ref#: 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01) debuts a new “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic construction, a deep graphite-blue tone that echoes the original Royal Oak 5402 from 1972 while elevating the design with modern materials. Fully crafted from ceramic and hand-finished to achieve the Royal Oak’s signature contrast of brushed and polished surfaces, this new model combines the iconic octagonal design with high horology functionality. It remains one of the most technically ambitious pieces in the Royal Oak collection, showcasing the brand’s signature openworked movement with twin balance wheels and a striking visual interplay of symmetry and mechanical depth.
Measuring 41 mm in diameter and just 9.7 mm in thickness, this edition of the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is entirely crafted from dark blue ceramic, a debut for this model. The octagonal bezel with exposed screws and the integrated bracelet are all rendered in this distinctive material, finished with AP’s trademark mix of satin brushing and polished bevels. This deep “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” tone offers a subtle yet rich aesthetic, evoking the original 1972 Royal Oak dial color while leveraging the hardness and scratch-resistance of modern ceramic.The reverse side of the watch features a sapphire crystal caseback, secured to the case by screws and surrounded by a brushed ceramic ring. Through it, the skeletonized calibre 3132 is fully visible, with its signature dual balance wheel architecture and refined finishing. The ceramic caseback continues the sharp, angular language of the Royal Oak design, while maintaining the overall thinness of the case.A screw-down ceramic crown, signed with the Audemars Piguet logo, is positioned at 3 o’clock and integrates cleanly with the case’s faceted geometry. A glare-resistant sapphire crystal sits flush with the octagonal bezel, preserving the Royal Oak’s sharply defined silhouette. Water-resistance can reach up to 50 meters (165 feet).
The dial of the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is fully skeletonized, revealing the intricate architecture of the calibre 3132 beneath a wide open aperture. A dark blue inner flange encircles the movement, offering a subtle visual boundary and enhancing legibility while harmonizing with the deep ceramic case tone. Applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands are crafted from white gold and filled with luminescent material, maintaining legibility in low light without detracting from the watch’s mechanical showcase.
Instead of a traditional dial, the visual emphasis is placed on the symmetrical layout of the bridges, gears, and the dual balance assembly, coated in rose gold for contrast, visible at 8 o’clock. This mechanical transparency highlights the concentric operation of the twin balance wheels and their shared escapement, a distinctive and visually captivating signature of this model.
Despite the absence of a conventional dial surface, the minute track printed on the blue flange and the applied hour markers offer enough visual guidance for precise time-reading. This minimalist yet technical display reinforces the Royal Oak’s identity as both a design icon and a watchmaking innovation platform.

The “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked” (Ref#: 15416CD.OO.1225CD.01) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 3132, with 38 jewels and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). This innovative movement features a patented double balance wheel system, two concentric balance wheels mounted on the same axis, which enhances stability and precision by averaging out positional errors. It’s also fully skeletonized, revealing the intricate architecture of the gear train and bridges from both sides of the case. Power reserve can last up to 45 hours when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is a dark blue ceramic bracelet composed of integrated Royal Oak links, featuring both brushed and polished surfaces that highlight the complexity of its hand-finished construction. The bracelet is secured to the wrist by a folding AP clasp in matching dark blue ceramic, ensuring a seamless aesthetic and lightweight comfort throughout the day. Thanks to the use of ceramic, the bracelet is highly resistant to scratches while preserving the iconic Royal Oak profile.
For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.