INTRODUCING: Audemars Piguet releases a trio of diamond set Royal Oak Jumbos including two icy blue dials
Zach BlassI’ve said it many times, but I will say it again: blue was absolutely the colour of 2020. With such saturation of the dial colour, manufacturers really had to explore varying shades of blue to have their products stand out in the marketplace. Fast-forward to 2021 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Diamond Set collection introduces a duo of light blue dialled references alongside a familiar black toned dial configuration – all of which are cased in precious metal and set with diamonds.
As Jumbo models, each of the precious metal cases are 39mm in diameter and a sporty slender 8.1mm thick. On the front facing elements of the watch, where you would typically find brushed surfaces on the case and bracelet you are instead greeted with masterfully set diamonds all throughout its externals. Each watch is set with 1,102 brilliant-cut diamonds (〜7.09 carats), and each will likely become major candidates for celebrity watch collections. While almost all of its surface area is dedicated to diamonds, the 2021 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Diamond Set collection still boasts the renowned polished bevels to the shoulders of the tapering bracelet links, eight polished facets of the octagonal bezel, brushed surfaces on the caseband and sides of the bracelet. In terms of water resistance, each of the references are equipped with a screw-down crown and a depth rating of 50 metres.
As for the three configurations, each utilise the “Petite Tapisserie” pattern and incorporate baguette-cut diamond hour indexes. The black “Petite Tapisserie” dial is strictly paired with white gold, while the light blue “Petite Tapisserie” dial is available in both pink gold and white gold. I have nothing against a black dial, but it’s a colour palette we are all familiar with. The star dial tone of this new trio is the light blue, a rather glacial light blue that pairs well with the iced out externals. Each dial, including the new light blue tone, have date apertures at 3′ with discs that blend seamlessly into the dial. Considering the novelty of the light blue, it’s fantastic that AP understood they needed to go the extra mile and ensure the date wheel matches the splendid light blue tone.
Inside the 2021 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Diamond Set Collection watches is the iconic AP 2121 caliber, the same caliber commissioned by JLC for exclusive use within the Holy Trinity brands. While some would like to see a newer movement with an extended power reserve find its way into the modern Jumbo, purists respect the fact that this movement was the very same caliber utilised in the original Royal Oak Jumbo introduced in 1972 and original Patek Philippe Nautilus introduced in 1976.
The super slim movement is what allows the watch to be extra-thin, and has been highly decorated and configured by Audemars Piguet to meet the standards of the Maison. It is a gorgeous sight beneath the exhibition caseback, quipped with exquisite Côtes de Genève, polished bevels, satin-brushed edges and circular graining on the recesses. The oscillating weight is hand finished, also encompassing both Clous de Paris and satin-brushing. With the rotor being open-worked, wearers have a largely unobstructed view of the detailing and handwork that went into creating this fine caliber.
2021 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Diamond Set Collection pricing and availability:
The 2021 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Diamond Set Collection is available for inquiry June 2021 via Audemars Piguet Boutiques. Price: Upon Request