Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

With a movement of 2.89 mm in thickness and a case of 6.3 mm in height, the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin (ref. 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01) becomes the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch and marks Audemars Piguet’s latest technological milestone.

The Manufacture’s R&D team has integrated movement development, design and ergonomics in the conception of this new timepiece to boost its efficiency, robustness and reliability. The result? An ultra-thin selfwinding perpetual calendar wristwatch equipped with a complex movement “Cal. 5133” World’s thinnest selfwinding perpetual calendar re-engineered to integrate an elegant ultra-thin case.

To reach an ultra-thin movement of 2.89 mm in height, the perpetual calendar functions, normally arranged on three levels have been merged into one single layer. This led to the development of two pioneering and patented innovations: the end-of-the-month cam has been integrated to the date wheel, while the month cam has been combined to the month wheel. The geometry of each component has also been optimised from the onset, reducing adjustment and assembly time. The dial, too, has been redesigned compared to previous Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar models (such as ref. 26574). The day, date and month subdials have been enlarged for optimum legibility, while the night and day indication at 8 o’clock has been added symmetrically to the leap year indication positioned at 4 o’clock.

Evolving from the initial 950 platinum RD#2 prototype presented in 2018 at the SIHH, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin combines titanium and 950 platinum for an elegant look and a significant lighter feel on the wrist. The alternation of polished and satin-brushed surfaces adorning the case, bracelet and bezel elevates the aesthetic contrast provided by the two materials. In addition, the dial of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin is no longer endowed with a blue “Grande Tapisserie” pattern. Instead, its blue satin finishing enhances legibility as well as the watch’s refined aesthetics.