Audemars Piguet revives the iconic Royal Oak in a 23mm mini form, merging classic jewellery craftsmanship with modern sensibilities.
Audemars Piguet, the renowned Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer, proudly presents the Royal Oak Mini. This new miniature timepiece, measuring 23mm in diameter, is available in 18-carat yellow, white or pink gold. These monochrome watches combine the robust aesthetic codes of the original Royal Oak with the shimmering brilliance of Frosted Gold, creating a striking visual effect.
Drawing inspiration from the brand’s rich history of creating miniature and jewellery watches, this trio of petite timepieces offers a contemporary interpretation of the 20mm Mini Royal Oak launched in 1997. By rethinking the proportions, architecture and performance of the smallest Royal Oak ever made, the new Mini Oak collection continues the brand’s legacy while adapting to modern lifestyles and slender wrists. Its quartz movement boasts over seven years of battery life, combining elegance with practicality.
The models feature the exquisite Frosted Gold finish, a technique adapted from an ancient Florentine jewellery method by designer Carolina Bucci in 2016. This finish involves creating tiny indentations on the gold surface with a diamond-tipped tool, resulting in a sparkle reminiscent of precious stones. This technique enhances the watch’s connection to the world of jewellery, a tradition dating back to Gérald Genta’s original design in 1972.
The design plays with light through its intricate combination of finishes. The diamond-dust effect of the Frosted Gold contrasts beautifully with the polished bevels outlining the octagonal bezel and bracelet links. The satin finish on the case and bracelet flanks adds depth and texture, while the solid caseback, featuring sandblasting, satin brushing and polishing, echoes the overall design. This meticulous juxtaposition of finishes ensures perfect alignment and a harmonious play of light.
The dial of the Royal Oak Mini is equally captivating. The tone-on-tone Petite Tapisserie pattern enhances the luminous effect. Faceted gold hour markers, filled with luminescent material, ensure optimum visibility even in the dark. The absence of a date indication and seconds scale further refines the guilloché dial’s elegant appearance, making these timepieces true pieces of jewellery.