Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon
The iconic design invented by Gérald Genta back in 1972 is still turning heads after all this time. A half a century later, Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their iconic Royal Oak. Among various releases is a trilogy of “Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon” timepieces with some subtle case changes, the return of Grande Tapisserie dials with new colors, and AP’s latest generation caliber 2950.
The 41mm case is available in either stainless-steel, 18k pink gold, or titanium with a mix of vertical brushed flat surfaces and polished edges, while mounted by the iconic “Royal Oak” octagonal shaped bezel in a matching alloy; but in common all these options have exposed 18k white gold screws. 
On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition case back, which allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. The gold oscillating weight with a carved out “50” years emblem, will only be featured on the models sold during 2022, which will make them some-what collectibles, as the current production continues on without this distinct characteristic.
It also comes equipped with a screw-down crown adorned with the AP logo. All topped by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance can reach up to 50 meters (164 feet).
Time is exhibited on a smoked blue dial (steel & 18k pink gold) with the iconic AP “Grande Tapisserie” motif, which is a pattern of small squares, obtained thru a hand guilloché that appears here with gold applied index markers.
There is also a sandblasted smoked blue dial (titanium) option, with gold applied index markers, and a snailed chapter ring. This is a nice alternative to the traditional Tapisserie motif, if you’re looking for something to break out of the classic mold.
All the dials have the applied 24k gold Audemars Piguet signature on the upper-half, which were created by using a chemical process similar to 3D printing, called galvanic growth. You may need a magnifying glass to get a proper look, but each letter is connected to the next with thin links. After that the signature is fixed to the dial by hand with tiny legs.
At the 6 o’clock spot we encounter the large flying tourbillon with a central rotor, sparkling jewels, and its cage matches the case alloy of each version. The central gold hands and hour index markers have all been given a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility. 
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon
The “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon” (References Below) is now powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 2950 with 27 jewels, 270 parts, and 21,600 vph. Each rotor has been color-matched to the case in which it's in, although AP has said this will be so only for watches produced during 2022. Power reserve on these watches can last up to 65 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted to the watch is either a stainless-steel or 18k pink gold bracelet, all with a vertically brushed and polished finish, while secured to the wrist by an AP folding clasp. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.
