Before we get into the new 2019 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Black Ceramic watch, let’s recap what this unique timepiece is being built upon – the 2017 Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars Black Ceramic. We all know that it was Audemars Piguet who gave us the leap year indication in 1955 (in the reference 5516) and before that time, all perpetual calendar mechanical wristwatches showcased the functions of day, date, and month indications. Leap Year was never a part of the mix.
Audemars Piguet perfected the perpetual calendar complication and has established themselves are innovators in the Perpetual Chronograph domain. The 2017 timepiece is based on the iconic Gérald Genta-designed Royal Oak case and carried forward the tradition. The 2017 watch was crafted using hand-finished black ceramic, which is material nine times harder than steel and it took the Le Brassus manufacture, 30 hours to craft a case.
Openworked Dial Look Best
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Black Ceramic sports an open-worked dial that showcases the inner workings of the watch very beautifully. The 41 mm x 9.9 mm black ceramic case is sports intricate satin-brushing only. This satin finishing is missing on the bracelet part of the watch. The caseback is made from titanium in black.
Under the hood is the in-house movement caliber 5135 and is encased with a sapphire crystal dial. Comprising of 374 components and 38 jewels, the movement is wound by a skeletonized rose gold oscillating weight. All of this gives the watch a 40-hour power reserve.
Moon Phase and More
The openwork dial hosts four subdials, that are positioned at the twelve o’clock, three o’clock, six o’clock and nine o’clock. Each representing the month, date, moon phase and day of the week. I like the fact that the number ‘31’ on the date subdial is painted red in color, it stands out and reminds us that this is a perpetual calendar watch.
Another interesting element is how the moon phase is depicted with the two moons surfacing in the lunar glory, depending upon the cycle – waxing and waning moons. The baton shaped hands are made from rose gold and so are the indices, which complements the black vibe of this watch. Retailing for $130,000, you can know more about this watch here.