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 the case and bracelet. The dial of the Royal Oak Mini watches are further detailed with faceted gold hour markers and hands, both filled with luminescent material that add a touch of glow-in-the-dark utility. These new Royal Oak Mini models may be the smallest of Audemars Piguet’s contemporary offering, but they are eye-catching statement makers in their own right.
The watches feature the Frosted Gold finish, which the Florentine jeweller Carolina Bucci introduced to the Manufacture back in 2016. To achieve it, tiny indentations are made on the gold surface using a diamond-tipped tool, creating a sparkling effect similar to that of precious stones. The precision of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmanship also shines through in the contrasting chamfered edges on the bezel and bracelet that are polished to enhance the play of light.
Combined with the shimmering monochrome aesthetic of Frosted Gold, these new Royal Oak Mini watches gleam like veritable jewels on the wrist. Photography Zantz Han Styling Nicholas See Hair Yuhi Kim, using DunGüd and Woorailoora Make-up Wee Ming, using Dior Beauty Manicure Ann Lim, using CND Producer David Bay Photographer’s assistants Alexander Ng and Jaron Tay Stylist’s assistant Elden Zachery Model Hui Min/NOW Models Special thanks to Another Department Discover the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini watches here . Pre-order your copy of the July/August ‘Cravings’ of Vogue Singapore issue online or pick it up on newsstands from 15 July 2024.
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