New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeletonized and Malachite Dial Watch
I still vividly remember visiting the SIHH (the precursor to Watches & Wonders) in Geneva in 2010. At that time, Audemars Piguet, along with Richard Mille, brands from the Richemont Group, and several other brands, showcased their latest creations. That year, the Royal Oak Skeletonized 15305 made a deep impression on me. It was based on the then-popular "standard" 15300 and powered by the 3120 movement.
Royal Oak Adds Different Sizes
Subsequently, the 39mm Royal Oak "Jumbo" watch was launched in skeletonized versions in 2012 and 2014, while the 41mm Royal Oak Skeletonized watch launched in 2016 featured a double balance wheel movement.
This year, Audemars Piguet showcased new Royal Oak Skeletonized watches in 37mm and 39mm sizes at its annual social club event. We have a member attending this event every year. In addition to the Royal Oak Skeleton watch, there are two other Royal Oak watches with malachite dials. These two watches are available in 37mm and 41mm case sizes, and are another masterpiece following the turquoise dial Royal Oak watch launched in 2023.
Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Skeleton, reference 15467BA.OO.1256BA.01
But first, let's take a closer look at the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton watches. The smaller one, with a diameter of 37mm, is crafted in 18K gold and powered by the Audemars Piguet Caliber 3132 movement. This movement uses a double balance wheel mechanism, the same as the 2016 Royal Oak Skeleton watch mentioned above. The Caliber 3132 movement offers a 45-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour).
Monochromatic dial designs often result in poor readability, especially with skeletonized movements. However, this watch, with its bolts on the octagonal bezel, hour markers, and hands, contrasts sharply with the gold case. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Skeleton Watch (model: 15467BA.OO.1256BA.01) is 10mm thick and water-resistant to 50 meters.
The Royal Oak "Jumbo" Ultra-Thin Skeleton Watch, model number 16204XT.OO.1240XT.01, is an ideal choice for watch enthusiasts who prefer the traditional Royal Oak size. It houses the Audemars Piguet rhodium-plated 7124 movement. This watch, only 8.1mm thick, is crafted from titanium, but its octagonal bezel and bracelet studs are made of BMG (block metallic glass). For those unfamiliar with BMG, it is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant metallic alloy. This scratch-resistant material is ideal for the most wear-prone components such as the bezel and bracelet. BMG is not unique to Audemars Piguet; other brands (such as Panerai) have also been using this metal alloy.
This watch is powered by the 7121 caliber, the successor to the iconic 2121 caliber, which powered the Royal Oak "Jumbo" series for 50 years. This titanium watch also features a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to 50 meters.
Royal Oak Automatic Watch, Malachite Dial
Two other noteworthy watches in this new catalog are malachite dial watches with diameters of 37mm and 41mm respectively. The combination of malachite and 18K gold has been favored for decades, and Audemars Piguet has also used this material in its more sculptural designs. Malachite has previously appeared in the Royal Oak series, such as a quartz ladies' Royal Oak watch, and one of only five Royal Oak tourbillon watches, one of which was once in the Jay-Z collection.
In 2026, malachite dials will appear in the regular catalogue of the 37mm and 41mm automatic Royal Oak watches.
Royal Oak Automatic Watch, Model: 15513BA.OO.1320.01 This new 41mm Royal Oak watch is powered by the Audemars Piguet Caliber 4309 movement and features a green malachite dial. The movement boasts a 70-hour power reserve, clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The 10.5mm thick 18K yellow gold case features a polished malachite dial adorned with applied 18K yellow gold hour markers and hands.
37mm Royal Oak Automatic Watch, Model: 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04 This smaller-sized Royal Oak watch with a malachite dial from Audemars Piguet is not designed specifically for women, but it should fit most women's wrists perfectly. The watch has a 37mm diameter case and is only 9.3mm thick, powered by the Caliber 5909 movement. This automatic movement offers a 60-hour power reserve.
Audemars Piguet's new Royal Oak watch certainly lives up to expectations. While I personally have a fondness for gold and malachite, my absolute favorite remains the Royal Oak "Jumbo" ultra-thin skeletonized watch. This Royal Oak "Jumbo" boasts a classic size and is crafted from materials such as titanium and BMG, paired with the skeletonized 7124 movement, making it another masterpiece in the "Jumbo" collection. I believe it's an absolute dream watch for collectors.