Unveiled in celebration of Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 (Ref. 26545XT.OO.1240XT.01) marks the final chapter of the brand’s Research & Development series. Limited to 150 pieces, this groundbreaking model combines a flyback chronograph, a flying tourbillon, and a new peripheral-rotor automatic movement within the classic 39mm Jumbo case. Crafted in titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass, it showcases AP’s most advanced technical innovations to date, offering a radically reimagined user experience while preserving the elegance and proportions of the original Royal Oak design.
The case of the Royal Oak RD#5 preserves the iconic proportions of the “Jumbo,” measuring 39 mm in diameter and just 8.1 mm thick. Crafted primarily from titanium, it is paired with palladium-based Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) components, including the bezel, pusher guards, crown selector, and bracelet studs. The familiar octagonal bezel is vertically brushed, with its polished bevels adding subtle contrast, while the mid-case and integrated bracelet continue the Royal Oak’s signature finishing.
The caseback is fitted with a sapphire crystal, offering an expansive view of the new Calibre 8100. Surrounding the crystal, the engraved inscription “Royal Oak RD#5 – 1 of 150” reinforces the watch’s limited edition nature and commemorative status for Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary.
The chronograph pushers are integrated into the case flank and sit flush when not in use, maintaining a sleek silhouette. The crown includes a recessed pusher at its center which activates a selector mechanism to switch between winding and time-setting functions, indicated by a discreet red marker. Water-resistance can reach up to 20 meters (66 feet), in keeping with the ultra-thin construction and experimental nature of the RD series.
The dial of the RD#5 stays rooted in the Royal Oak’s aesthetic lineage, rendered in the iconic “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” tone with Petite Tapisserie texture. However, several distinctive choices set it apart within the broader family. Most notably, the oversized Audemars Piguet script logo, printed across the upper half, marks this piece as part of the brand’s 150th anniversary series, a bold design decision that some may find polarizing.
Two sunken chronograph sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock are treated with a snailing finish, improving legibility while providing visual contrast against the structured tapisserie pattern. At 6 o’clock, the flying tourbillon aperture reveals the mechanical heartbeat of the watch, offering a glimpse into its innovative inner workings.
The hour and minute hands are crafted in white gold, while the chronograph hands are made from titanium, aligning with the watch’s focus on lightweight materials and mechanical efficiency. The applied hour markers feature luminous inserts, ensuring nighttime legibility despite the ultra-thin profile. Overall, this dial bridges heritage and innovation, grounding the RD#5 in Royal Oak tradition while signaling a shift toward experimental design.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph (Ref#: 26545XT.OO.1240XT.01) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 8100, with 44 jewels, a total of 559 parts, and a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz). This newly developed ultra-thin caliber measures 31.4mm in diameter and just 4mm in thickness. It features a rack-and-pinion zero-reset system, titanium chronograph hands, a flyback chronograph, and a flying tourbillon with a titanium cage. A crown function-selector replaces the conventional pull-out crown, and a peripheral rotor, which is a first in a Royal Oak Jumbo. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is an integrated titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) bracelet, secured by a folding clasp. It maintains the familiar silhouette of the Royal Oak “Jumbo,” yet the use of lightweight, high-tech materials gives it a futuristic character that underscores the RD#5’s technical ambition. Despite housing a flying tourbillon and chronograph, the watch remains remarkably slim and wearable at just 8.1 mm thick, offering a featherlight feel and streamlined presence on the wrist.
Limited to just 150 individually numbered pieces, the Royal Oak RD#5 commemorates Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary with a milestone innovation in chronograph design. Its exclusivity underscores both the technical importance of this reference and its place as the final chapter in the RD experimental series, marking the end of a bold era of horological exploration from the manufacturer. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.
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