Watch Of The Week: The New Audemars Piguet 34mm Royal Oak Selfwinding In White Ceramic

Audemars Piguet has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with its latest (and incredibly subtle) release: the first 34mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model in white ceramic. On the heels of the 30th-anniversary releases of the Royal Oak Offshore, we weren’t quite expecting this minor update to the black ceramic version that introduced in 2021. This new variation showcases the impeccable craftsmanship and refined design that Audemars Piguet is renowned for. The immaculate white color of the ceramic case is beautifully contrasted by touches of pink gold on the screws, hands, hour-markers, caseback, and oscillating weight, adding a luxurious and elegant touch to the timepiece.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Embodying a certain joie de vivre in the lightness of the design, the 34mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model features a monochrome aesthetic with pink gold accents. The dial, adorned with the iconic Grand Tapisserie motif, exudes a refined glow that is further enhanced by the pink gold luminescent hour-markers, hands, and applied Audemars Piguet signature. The sapphire caseback reveals a pink gold oscillating weight, adding a touch of luxury to the overall design. The steel folding clasp, on the other hand, features a black color achieved through a DLC treatment, providing a sleek and contrasting element.

Crafting the white ceramic case and bracelet was a technical challenge for Audemars Piguet, as it required pushing the limits of their expertise. The brilliance of the white ceramic is accentuated by eight hexagonal screws in 18-carat pink gold, meticulously hand-finished and securing the bezel to the case. The bracelet features invisible pins integrated into the studs, seamlessly connecting the links and maintaining the sleek aesthetic.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Inside, the Royal Oak 34mm is powered by the selfwinding Caliber 5800, a dedicated movement designed specifically for this line. With a power reserve of 50 hours and water resistance up to 50 meters, the movement offers reliability and precision. The sapphire caseback allows a glimpse into the intricate components of the mechanism, including the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight adorned with high-end decorations such as Côtes de Genève, circular graining, satin, and sunray finishes.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

The Audemars Piguet 34mm Royal Oak Selfwinding in white ceramic is a true testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. With its harmonious blend of white ceramic, pink gold accents, and technical prowess, this timepiece is sure to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. As a limited-edition release available exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques, it offers a refined and lightweight option to cap the high summer.