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1972 was a year of spectacular advances in technology, international politics, design, art, and the space race. 1972 was also when Haute Horlogerie was forever changed by what would be considered by many Audemars Piguet’s most iconic model.
When the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta for Audemars Piguet, was presented, it transformed the prevailing aesthetic codes. Its dimension, hand-finished stainless steel body, octagonal bezel with hexagonal screws, slim metal bracelet, and extra-flat automatic movement; ushered in a new era for Haute Horlogerie.
This high-end sports watch was later nicknamed «Jumbo» due to its 39mm diameter, considered huge by the standards of the time. Audemars Piguet has retained this affectionate nickname to designate its slimline 39mm automatic models. More than an aspect of design, the large size of the Royal Oak arose from a functional desire, as proclaimed by the relatively large diameter of the caliber 2121 (28mm). In combination with the rare monocoque or two-part case construction. Eight hexagonal screws had to pass through the bezel, clasp, and case on the periphery of the movement.
During the first 20 years of the Royal Oak, there was only one slimline 39mm self-winding watch, most of which sold before 1982.
After its revival in 1992 for the Royal Oak’s 20th anniversary, several models were developed and called Jumbo, after the materials of the case and bracelet and the dial’s designs.
The appearance of the model 15202 in the year 2000 marked a turning point in the history of Jumbo watches. It reinterpreted the original codes more creatively, especially with new dial colors, and brought back the sapphire case first introduced in 1992. Thanks to its combination of tradition and modernity, this Jumbo version enjoyed the popularity of yesteryear to stand out as one of the most coveted Royal Oak models. A title that helped elevate the status of the Royal Oak to that of a cultural icon.
This year, on the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the Jumbo undergoes a new evolution with the reference 16202. The aesthetic codes remain unchanged from Reference 15202, while it opens a new chapter in the history of the Royal Oak. Extra-flat Oak «Jumbo» for its new extra-flat automatic movement adapted to the contemporary lifestyle.
Audemars Piguet launches a new extra-flat Jumbo Royal Oak to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the collection
With the overall aesthetic of the original 1972 design, this new Jumbo collection debuts Audemars Piguet’s latest extra-thin automatic movement, caliber 7121.
The new collection debuts an elegant proposal that combines 18-carat rose gold with smoky gray tones. The timepieces feature a specially created 50th-anniversary oscillating weight to adorn all anniversary commemorative Royal Oak models in 2022.
For the first time since 1972, the Royal Oak Jumbo Slimline features a new automatic movement: caliber 7121, specifically conceived to fit into the slimline Jumbo case without altering its aesthetics or thickness. This extra-thin 3.2mm thick movement, developed and produced by Audemars Piguet engineers and watchmakers, takes over from caliber 212, a feature first introduced in the Royal Oak in 1972 as the thinnest self-winding movement with the rotor.
It took five years of development to make caliber 7121 a reality. Packed with more energy than its predecessor – due to its new construction and its larger barrel- it provides more power, as well as superior accuracy. The timepiece has a modern central oscillating weight mounted on ball bearings using two inverters developed in-house to ensure bi-directional loading. Its flywheel has inertia blocks inserted directly into it to avoid unnecessary friction.
This new Jumbo model marks the debut of the openwork oscillating weight created for the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, in 22-carat pink gold and bearing the 50th-anniversary logo along with the engraved Audemars Piguet signature. To celebrate the occasion, the color of the oscillating weight matches that of the case and sports a similar alternation of satin-finished surfaces and polished edges. Without a doubt, this piece will become the object of desire for lovers of the world of Haute Horlogerie.
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