Audemars Piguet introduces a breakthrough in luxury watchmaking with the unveiling of “sand gold,” an exclusive 18-carat gold alloy showcased in the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked timepiece. This novel material, dynamically shifting between the tones of white and pink gold depending on lighting, signifies a milestone in Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation. Inspired by the luminosity of sunlit sand dunes, the sand gold alloy blends gold with copper and palladium, ensuring both a warm color and resistance to discoloration over time.
Crafted with meticulous precision, the 41 mm timepiece features sand-gold-toned open-worked bridges and main plates of the Calibre 2972, creating a captivating 3D effect through galvanic treatment. The Royal Oak’s iconic design elements, including satin brushing, polished chamfers, and the signature octagonal bezel, enhance the material’s play of light. The sand gold case and bracelet complement the technical complexity of Calibre 2972, a self-winding mechanism with a flying tourbillon introduced during the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary.
Photo Credit: Audemars Piguet
