Audemars Piguet unveiled the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked watch in 18k rose gold and steel at SIHH 2016.
At just 41 mm, this was is just the right size for my wrist for all occasions. Despite it being a simple three-hand mechanical watch without any other complications, the fact that there is a stainless steel version makes it more wearable in any situation. Having a see-through dial gives more character.
On the dial, both the steel and pink gold version of the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked watches have pink gold hands and hour markers. The watch has a water rating of 50 meters.
The heart of the new watch is the new caliber 3132. It has the singular purpose of increasing accuracy by producing a double-sided balance wheel structure. I am not sure of the engineering science of the design but based on the literature given out by Audemars Piguet, this design does appear to increase accuracy.
As it is, the new calibre 3132 is also an automatic movement with 45 hours of power reserve. Operating at a frequency of 3Hz or 21,600 vph, the whole movement is hand decorated. Made out of 245 parts, the use of a mixture of metals such as the pink gold for the balance bridge, provides a nice visual cue.
Skeleton watches are cool. The ability to see the inside especially the movement of a mechanical timepiece is mesmerizing. I believe Audemars Piguet has gotten a winning product.
As for the accuracy coming from the new movement, that is still up for debate. Honestly, do we need to be so desperate on accuracy? Let’s be honest, if you need accuracy, get a quartz watch. Nevertheless, the engineering is cool, though.
