Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon with Tamara Ralph.
Australian fashion designer Tamara Ralph unveiled her spring couture collection in Paris a few days ago. The designer named femininity and strength as the collection's main themes. The same description can be given to the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon model, which she collaborated on with the watchmaker Audemars Piguet.
The model can be seen as a statement accessory, where the watchmaking art meets jewelry art: original finishing and design with a complicated movement.
Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak has long gone beyond the boundaries of the legendary model from the past which lent its shape to new collections. This model is the foundation upon which the brand built its entire identity.
Tamara Ralph with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon "Tamara Ralph" on the wrist
The Royal Oak Concept (ROC) collection is yet another example. The flying tourbillon dedicated to technical experiments appeared in the series in 2018. And two years later, it was presented in a Frosted Gold case. This new version of the watch showcases Tamara Ralph's preferences.
The multi-layered dial has different colored plates stacked on top of each other like an amphitheater. The watchmakers managed to achieve a delicate color transition from yellow to chocolate brown. But the focal point that dominates the dial at 6 o'clock is still the flying tourbillon, decorated with diamonds here.
The case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter and 11.9 mm in height is made of gold. An old Florentine technique has been employed to finish it, which first appeared on watches at Audemars Piguet in 2016 thanks to the jewelry designer Carolina Bucci.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon "Tamara Ralph" LE
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon "Tamara Ralph" LE
The effect of a blanket of snow is achieved by making numerous tiny indentations on the surface. They're tapped out using a small hammer with a diamond tip. This technique has been used on the octagonal Royal Oak bezel and tops of the case's sculpted lugs. The shimmering parts of the case contrast with polished lateral details.
The caseback reveals a view of the finishing on the manually wound caliber 2964 with a 72-hour power reserve. The theme of concentric circles is also mirrored here. Needless to say, this is a limited edition: only a hundred of these "couture" watches will see the light of day.