The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin reference 26586 began life as a concept piece known as the RD#2, which was the thinnest perpetual calendar ever made in 2018. The RD#2 prototype was presented at SIHH in 2018, and is visually very similar to the reference 26586, with the exception of a tapisserie dial. Sticking closely to the fundamentals of the perpetual calendar's structure, the movement was instead condensed and simplified.

The classic silhouette of the Royal Oak is clearly visible in the reference 26586, with its octogonal case, screwed down bezel, and bracelet. The case is a combination of titanium and platinum, which gives the watch a lighter feel, as the bracelet is constructed from brushed titanium, with polished platinum links and titanium folding clasps. This creates an attractive interplay with the light as the bracelet shifts on the wrist.

The dial is a deep, satin-brushed blue with subtly recessed sub-dials, demonstrating the day, month, date, and moonphase. Smaller leap year and day/night indicators can be found below the larger day and month sub-dials, overlapping slightly but providing an added overall symmetry. This is paired with luminescent hour hands and indices, in a nod to the modern style of this Royal Oak. On the date sub-dial, the 31st marker has a red accent, which improves readability between the 31st and 1st days.

The movement that powers this reference 26586 is the self-winding calibre 5133, which is in part based on the calibre 2120, used in the Royal Oak "Jumbo". This calibre 5133 has been heavily simplified and is made up of just 256 parts, with a diameter of 32mm. The reference 26586 has an overall case height of 6.3mm, and a diameter of 41mm, giving the watch a significant presence on the wrist.

Closer look

Condition

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin is in very good condition throughout. Light superficial marks can be found on the polished platinum and brush titanium portions of the case, bracelet and bezel. More specifically small dings at the at the 11 and 12 o'clock position on the bezel, and a light scratch at 1 o'clock above the screw, though difficult to capture at certain angles in photography. The dial and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.