Gazing at the Sand Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked 26735SG
Audemars Piguet, the legendary watchmaker from Le Brassus, has once again captivated the luxury watch world. The brand has introduced a stunning new creation: the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked ref. 26735SG, a watch that embodies innovation and timeless craftsmanship. This new release is not just another entry in the Royal Oak collection but a celebration of a groundbreaking material—sand gold.
Let’s dive deeper into this horological marvel, exploring its materials, design, movement, and significance in the world of luxury watchmaking.
The Debut of Sand Gold: A New Alloy for a New Era
Audemars Piguet has long been synonymous with innovation, and its latest invention, sand gold, represents the pinnacle of material science in luxury watchmaking. Pure gold, known for its softness, needs to be alloyed with other metals to make it durable enough for watch cases and bracelets. Over the years, luxury watch brands have developed proprietary gold alloys, but Audemars Piguet’s sand gold stands out.
What is sand gold? This unique 18k gold alloy comprises 75% pure gold, combined with copper and palladium. The result is a metal with a mesmerizing hue that shifts between rose gold and white gold, depending on the light. Its name pays homage to the shimmering appearance of sand dunes under sunlight. Unlike traditional rose gold, which leans heavily into pink tones, sand gold achieves a subtler, less coppery look, appealing to those who find standard rose gold too warm.
This debut is more than a material innovation; it’s a statement. Sand gold promises to redefine how luxury gold watches are perceived, and there’s no better platform for its unveiling than the iconic Royal Oak.
Design: A Masterpiece in Gold
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked ref. 26735SG is a visual spectacle. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 10.6mm thick, the watch retains the classic proportions of the Royal Oak while showcasing its new material to full effect.
Crafted entirely from sand gold, the case and integrated bracelet radiate an elegance that is both contemporary and timeless. The octagonal bezel, a hallmark of the Royal Oak design, is secured with eight white gold screws, adding subtle contrast. The bracelet’s polished and satin-brushed finishes enhance the dynamic play of light across its surface, making the sand gold shimmer like never before.
The skeletonized dial is where this timepiece truly comes alive. While traditional dials feature decorative elements, the Openworked design strips them away to reveal the intricate workings of the Caliber 2972. A sand gold chapter ring houses the white gold hour markers and minute track, while the brand’s logo is elegantly printed on the underside of the sapphire crystal, maintaining the movement’s clean, symmetrical aesthetic.
At the heart of the display lies the flying tourbillon, a technical and visual marvel. Positioned prominently at the 6 o’clock mark, it serves as both a functional component and an artistic centerpiece.
Powering this masterpiece is Audemars Piguet’s Caliber 2972, a highly skeletonized automatic movement that combines engineering prowess with artistic craftsmanship. First introduced in the stainless steel version of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in 2022, this movement runs at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and offers a power reserve of approximately 65 hours.
For the sand gold edition, the bridges and plates of the Caliber 2972 have been treated with a matching sand gold galvanic finish, creating a cohesive visual harmony. The warm tones of the sand gold components are offset by rhodium-plated elements, and even the rotor—a 22k pink gold masterpiece—has been given a rhodium finish to enhance the movement’s two-tone aesthetic.
The movement’s architecture ensures optimal visibility and symmetry, emphasizing the delicate interplay of materials and mechanisms. It’s not just a movement; it’s a work of art that deserves to be admired from every angle.
A Watch Beyond Compare
Audemars Piguet has always been known for pushing boundaries, and the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in sand gold is no exception. The absence of a traditional dial allows the movement to take center stage, turning the watch into a living, breathing testament to the art of watchmaking.
The hour and minute hands, finished with thin luminous inlays, float above the skeletonized movement, while the flying tourbillon reminds the wearer of the precision engineering at play. Together, these elements create a timepiece that is as functional as it is beautiful.
The Price of Perfection
Luxury watches often come with a hefty price tag, and this watch is no different. With a retail price of 250,000 CHF (approximately $285,000 USD), this timepiece is a significant investment. However, unlike many high-end models, this isn’t a limited edition but a permanent addition to the Royal Oak lineup, ensuring its availability for discerning collectors.
Its high price is justified not only by the use of sand gold but also by the sheer craftsmanship and innovation that went into its creation.
A Glimpse into the Future
The introduction of sand gold raises intriguing questions about the future of Audemars Piguet’s lineup. Will sand gold replace pink gold as the brand’s go-to luxury alloy, or will it remain a premium option reserved for special models? With pink gold already playing a prominent role in the brand’s collection, it’s possible that sand gold will coexist as an alternative for those seeking a more subdued and refined aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Sand Gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked isn’t just a watch; it’s a celebration of what makes Audemars Piguet one of the greatest names in horology. From its innovative material to its intricate movement, every detail of this timepiece speaks to the brand’s commitment to excellence.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this watch is a must-see—and for those fortunate enough to own it, a treasure to be cherished. As Audemars Piguet continues to push the boundaries of design and innovation, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in sand gold stands as a shining example of what happens when tradition meets modernity.
