Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon, Special Edition for Japan, Extra-Thin, Steel

In 2012, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin, at SIHH - featuring the manually-wound, in-house caliber 2924, visible through a wide display case-back. It was originally released in both rose-gold and stainless steel, with a platinum version following in 2016. Additionally, a steel, Special Edition with black 'Petite Tapisserie' dial was also made (seen in this example), exclusively for the Japanese market - believed to be limited to 45 pieces. It shows all the traditional indications of a time-only watch, with white-gold, applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands (with luminescent coating). Newer versions of the Tourbillon Extra-Slim have since adopted AP’s bolder 'Tapisserie Evolutive' dial pattern, less faithful to the original Royal Oak design.

The steel case and bracelet are excellently finished, with angular, beveled and polished edges - striking the perfect balance between utilitarian function and elegant design. The polished screws, bezel and case edges fantastically-contrast with the brushed surface of the case and bracelet. At 41mm in diameter, and only 8.85 thick, this Tourbillon Extra-Thin case is a beautiful twist of perspectives and size. The outer-case back displays the unique serial number, along with its sequential case number. The steel, Royal Oak case provides water resistance up to 50m, further featuring a two-position crown. The winding is engaged in the crown’s first position, not the typical 0 position, with the time setting on the second position. This is similar to AP's Concept pieces.

This Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin is powered by the AP caliber 2924, with 25 working jewels, 216 individual components and overall thickness of only 4.46mm – making it one of the thinnest on the market. The architecture is also further exhibited through the large dial-side aperture, cut into the six o’clock position, showing the tourbillion in full view.

The glareproofed sapphire display case-back allows for an uninterrupted view of the classically-finished movement. Beating at a frequency of 3.00 Hz (21,600 VPH), it provides 70 hours of power-reserve when fully-wound, indicated on the reserve side of the calibre.

This Tourbillon Extra-Thin Special Edition, black-dial Royal Oak comes fitted with its original steel bracelet (stamped 1220) and is accompanied by its original stamped guarantee card, operating instructions and outer and inner boxes.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Audemars Piguet
Model:	Ref. 26512ST.OO.1220ST.01 Tourbillon Extra-Slim
Movement:	mechanical AP Calibre 2924
Functions:	extra-slim tourbillon, date, hours, minutes
Features:	special edition of 45 pieces, black 'Petite Tapisserie' dial
Case:	41mm stainless steel
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	original steel bracelet
Year:	2017/18
Box & papers:	original box, stamped guarantee card, manuals