Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton 41mm Steel

When you take away the musical success, what else do Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, and Stormzy have in common? Of course, that is a shared liking for the Royal Oak timepiece. This timepiece continues to dominate the watchmaking world even after over 50 years. But have you heard of the AP Royal Oak Skeleton? With well over 500 iterations to date, this sporty dearest continues to make a name for itself. This watch gets pointed out for its octagonal case punctuated by eight hexagonal screws and named after a triad of British warships. This model of AP watches hit the watchmaking world from the stables of Swiss watch manufacturer Audemars Piguet. The launch of this timepiece came with a view to alter the course of horological history. What did we expect? It doesn’t matter, as this timepiece collection did with energy and ingenuity. In fact, such is the endless interest in this collection of AP watches. This AP Royal Oak line of watches now has an assigned section on the brand’s website named AP Chronicles. That section is an extensive online encyclopedia with well over 100 chapters. It required the input of ten people, including historians, archivists, watchmakers, specialist collectors, and connoisseurs, to come up with this content. 

A Daring Attempt

It is an understatement to say that people are in love with this watch. The AP Royal Oak Skeleton is, without a doubt, one of the most enduringly sought-after time offerings in the history of luxury design. However, it started as a bit of a wild card in the late 90s.  Constructed in 1970 by late watchmaker Gérald Genta, the initial 5402 model got conceived as a disrupter. Moreover, Gerald Genta later built Patek Philippe’s equally legendary Nautilus model, among other chart-topping timepieces. The Royal AP Skeleton watch is one watch that would shake up a flagging market for sure. At the time, the quartz crisis had almost brought the whole industry to its knees. Also, the only mechanical or automatic timepieces considered fit for a higher price tag came cast in gold.  Truly, this was an exceptionally bold and daring move by Audemars Piguet. The brand introduced a prestige watch made from steel at a time when batteries increasingly powered steel tool wristwatches. 

A Successful Attempt

Eventually, the end justifies the means as this gamble paid off. Although, this happened gradually and over the course of ten years. More so, it was not until the early 1980s that the model got truly recognized as the driving force behind a paradigm shift in the field of watchmaking. It was an industrial-looking yet beautiful, sporty yet smart time offering.  The watch earned the name the ‘Jumbo' on account of its 39mm case, which most people considered oversized for the time. This Royal Oak ap Skeleton watch gained recognition for its two-part monocoque case, integrated bracelet, ultra-thin mechanism, and criss-cross “tapisserie” dial. Ever since the Royal Oak got introduced, there have been all sorts of dial color and size alterations for both men and women. We also had versions debuted in gold, platinum, brush gold, steel, and gold or set with diamonds in this collection. 

The Watch of the People at 50

In commemoration of the golden jubilee, the watchmaker released a collection of anniversary editions. This included four versions directly motivated by the original Jumbo 39mm design. These editions all came in stainless steel, platinum, as well as 18-carat pink and yellow gold. Also, each one comes fitted with an assigned Royal Oak “50 years” oscillating weight fitted to the hue of the case.  What deserves mentioning the most is what gets hidden from view. Being the first time in five decades, the Royal Oak AP Skeleton watch comes powered by a new ultra-thin caliber known as ref. 16202. Thu movement ramps up the power reserve from 40 hours to 55 hours.  Overall, there were 72 anniversary releases throughout the course of the 50th year. These releases comprised open-worked models, chronographs, diamond set pieces, and skeletonized flying tourbillon masterworks like the Royal Oak Skeleton AP.

Important Details You Should Know About AP Watches

AP watches earned a reputation as highly prestigious watches. These timepieces have been in the market for many, many years. So, that leads us to the question, how did they manage to do this? What is so outstanding about these timepieces? There is not just one thing that we can point out in answer to this question. What we do know is that these watches are distinguished for a lot of things, including their uniqueness and exceptional quality. In this section, we will shine a spotlight on some of the main factors that make these timepieces outstanding and worth buying. Why do they come at a characteristic high price point and are still best-sellers?

• Designing and Producing Them is Expensive 

If you think building a timepiece is simple, you couldn’t be farther from the reality! There will be a team that spends hours or days on a problem that has already been solved. However, they spend as much time as they wish to do it uniquely, unique enough to call the piece their “own.”  We live in a world of technology. Therefore, highly skilled micro mechanical engineers map out timepieces for new modules and movements on the computer before developing them. Also, the incredible part is that this procedure may take years. Particularly when it is a brand that desires to create something special like Audemars Piguet. In addition, the movements of watches are not only expensive to dream up. Also, it is costly to get them to work and keep the quality for a lifetime. Such an objective demands even more testing. Brands end up spending millions and billions on the development of new caliber for watches.

• Audemars Piguet Choose Only High-quality Materials

It is not just a matter of design and patterns for Audemars Piguet. What makes Audemars Piguet stand out from the rest goes beyond this. Notably, Audemars Piguet watches always stand out because of the rich material and techniques employed while developing these watches.  For example, the brand employs black ceramic rather than stainless steel, then machine and then hand-finish to achieve both satin-brushed and polished finishes for their watches. In addition, the use of white gold screws portrays that they are very conscious of the fact that perfection is often in detail.

• Creating Movements Don't Come Cheap

When it comes to high-end distinct mechanical movements, the cost can be tens of thousands of dollars in production. Thanks to complex movements, high-end watches often come in limited quantities. They satisfy the needs of its particular, lucky clientele.

• Limited Timepieces Equal High Costs

When a watchmaker creates timepieces in thousands or even millions, the initial cost of tooling and improvement can be spread across each piece. It does not matter if it costs a million dollars to manufacture a new watch. The price of each timepiece would be just within a few dollars due to the quantity.  This explains why Audemars Piguet watches like the Royal Oak Skeleton AP is costly. It is because the manufacturer produces only a limited amount of pieces. With a limited timepiece, there is a higher chance of it being personalized. That factor also makes it difficult to create its components, which cost even more money.

• Each Product Comes from a Highly Skilled Team 

Audemars Piguet painstakingly creates each masterpiece for as long as it is necessary. This may take a year and a team of highly trained watchmakers. The goal is to create an unusual and timeless time offering.  Note that skilled engineers don’t work full time on just one piece. Still, it does take longer to develop, adorn, finish and test a mechanical wristwatch. Imagine hand polishing hundreds of tiny wristwatch components under a microscope delicately by hand. That quite sounds like a time-consuming and arduous task that requires every attention possible.  In all, when you get set to buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton, take into consideration the painstaking labor of love invested by a highly skilled team to create a highly impactful and extraordinary timepiece. 

• That Watch is Worth Every Penny

Based on the above-mentioned conditions, a costly Audemars Piguet Royal Oak AP Skeleton watch is worth every dime. Nevertheless, occasionally, it is just the brand name that matters to the buyers. Therefore, if that is the case, then there is no harm in purchasing the wristwatch. It makes more sense when you check out the personal value it has for you as the owner.

The Royal Oak Skeleton 41mm Steel

Fifty is not a little landmark. Well, it has been that many years since Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972. That year, the brand released a new concept of wristwatch in the world. This concept is that of the lifestyle-oriented luxury sports time tool.  Presently, the watch and the genre it developed are hotter than ever. In commemoration of the model's 50th birthday, the brand announced the next generation of Royal Oak. How does Audemars Piguet manage to reinvent an icon? Indeed, Audemars Piguet does not hold that prestige as the total risk-averse offering. Yet, it would be folly to mess too much with a good product. This Swiss watchmaker needed to honor Gerald Genta's initial design. Besides, a major anniversary presents an opportunity for a refresh and a chance to merge tweaks and improvements. That is exactly what Audemars Piguet did. While, at first glance, it feels like a common Royal Oak, the differences are undoubtedly numerous. Below is all you need to know about the Royal Oak Skeleton AP.

• The Royal Oak Skeleton is Different in Size But More Ergonomic

The Royal Oak Skeleton comes in a new 41mm steel Self-winding design. These timepieces will be moderately sized with a range of components to enhance their ergonomics. It is no new that the Royal Oak already holds a reputation as an incredibly comfortable timepiece.  Owing to its distinct movement as well as other elements such as a caseback remodeling, it'll now sit even better on the wrist. Just as it previously appeared on some precious steel wristwatches, the famous steel bracelet is now even sleeker and still comfortable. 

• Like Other Royal Oak Watches, It Gets a New Automatic Movement

The most significant upgrade is what's inside the new automatic Royal Oak Skeleton. As the self-winding and Jumbo Ultra Thin collections both get new, thinner movements, the 41mm steel skeleton, Royal Oaks also gets powered by the brand's in-house 5900 movements. This movement now operates at 4Hz (rather than 3Hz). Also, it makes room for the case to pose better. 

• Slight Adjustments Add Up To An Aesthetic Upgrade

For those who know the Royal Oak Skeleton well, you might be able to spot some of the changes right away. Well, the signature shapes and design elements all remain there. However, elements like the case's polished bevels have been enhanced to capture even more light.  Also, that should help the watch gain a sleeker look. In addition, you'll see an applied "Audemars Piguet" logo rather than the "AP" logo and printed wordmark of past lines of watches. These tweaks are minimal but help characterize the new generation from the old versions.

• One of Many Recent Royal Oaks

This article is a piece about one of the most outstanding new watches out there. Still, AP has, in fact, released a vast array of new timepieces that comprise high-end models with the likes of ceramic cases and tourbillons.  Right within the most thrilling new lines, there are several new models and varieties. This 41mm self-winding steel and chronograph timepiece comes in gold as well as the steel version. Also, there are various dial colors, and the same can be said of other Royal Oak pieces. Beyond this, more models feature diamonds in varying quantities under the Royal Oak name.

Conclusion

Don't be surprised that one of the most celebrated luxury watches in the world isn't that "affordable." There is that special excitement around the new 41mm steel self-winding models. Also, the AP Royal Oak Skeleton watch is in a world of its own with style and function.