Audemars Piguet is a watchmaker that’s familiar with breaking the rules. Take the Royal Oak, for instance, which the Manufacture debuted in 1972. When it launched, it was a game changer by being a pioneer of luxury steel watches.
Created by Gérald Genta with an utterly original aesthetic—octagonal bezel and exposed screws inspired by diver’s helmets—the design is now one of the most recognisable in the world. The first evolution of the Royal Oak was the women’s model designed by Jacqueline Dimier in 1976, the so-called Royal Oak II. Although the diameter was reduced to 29mm, the watch retained all the power and integrity of Genta’s design.
Over time, the Swiss Manufacture continued to push miniaturisation further, culminating in 1997 with the 20mm Mini Royal Oak—the smallest Royal Oak model ever made. Building on this legacy, the Swiss Manufacture is staging a bold comeback of these petite watches with new Royal Oak Mini models. Sized at 23mm, these new references come in 18-carat yellow, white and pink Frosted Gold.
The new Royal Oak Mini models are powered by the Calibre 2730 quartz movement, which has a battery life of over seven years. The movement is also equipped with a ‘switch’ that can temporarily deactivate the battery by pulling on the crown. Details that are ideally suited for a contemporary lifestyle.
The radiance of the 18-carat yellow, white and pink gold is also highlighted thanks to Petite Tapisserie guillochage dials in matching tones as t.