SIHH 2009: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tuxedo Watches

In 2009, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet presents exquisite gem-set versions of its famous Royal Oak watch--a ground-breaking design which has defined the identity of the brand for many connoisseurs since 1972.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tuxedo watch is presented in versions for both men and women, each featuring white gold cases and octagonal bezels entirely set with round brilliant diamonds. Lacquered black dials, reminiscent of the polished ebony of a grand piano, showcase white gold baton markers and hands set with a row of round brilliant diamonds--an exceptionally elegant stage for the time. Total weight in diamonds for the men's version is 4.65 carats; the ladies Royal Oak Tuxedo watch is set with 3.80 carats.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tuxedo watch for men is animated by the legendary Caliber 2120 movement--first debuted in 1967, this renowned example of haute horlogerie represents one of the slimmest self-winding movements ever created with a central rotor. Balance frequency is 19,800 vibrations per hour, and power reserve is 40 hours. The Lady Royal Oak Tuxedo watch houses the self-winding Caliber 2140, which has a 40-hour power reserve and a balance frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Both calibers are meticulously finished by hand in accord with the standards of traditional haute horlogerie; bridges display chamfered edges and surfaces with Cotes de Geneve patterns; the lower surfaces of the bridges and the mainplate feature circular graining. Settings for jewels and screws are beveled, and the movement screws are finely polished. The ladies watch is equipped with an engraved white gold caseback; the men's Royal Oak Tuxedo watch has a back with a sapphire crystal exhibition window.

A formal black strap with a diamond-set white gold folding clasp in the shape of the Audemars Piguet intials completes the ensemble. Both models of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tuxedo watch are water resistant to 50 meters.