The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an icon, a watch that transcends mere timekeeping and enters the realm of art and horological legend. Its instantly recognizable octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and "Tapisserie" dial have solidified its place in history, influencing countless designs that followed. Within the Royal Oak family, the Extra Thin models represent a pinnacle of refinement, showcasing the brand's mastery of both design and ultra-thin movements. This review will delve into the specifics of the latest iteration, focusing on the improvements brought about by the upgraded Caliber 7121.
The Royal Oak Extra Thin, often referred to as the "Jumbo Extra Thin" (particularly when referring to the 39mm versions), occupies a unique space within the Royal Oak lineup. It manages to maintain the distinct Royal Oak aesthetic while achieving an exceptional level of thinness, making it a remarkably comfortable and versatile watch for everyday wear. This is a significant achievement, given the complexity of integrating a self-winding movement into such a slender case. The previous generation, powered by the Caliber 2121, was already impressive in its thinness, but the new Caliber 7121 takes it to another level, not just in terms of reduced thickness, but also in performance enhancements.
The Heart of the Matter: Caliber 7121 vs. Caliber 2121
The most significant upgrade in the latest Royal Oak Extra Thin is the movement. The shift from the Caliber 2121 to the Caliber 7121 represents a substantial leap forward in both performance and longevity. The Caliber 2121, a marvel of micro-engineering in its own right, operated at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour (vph). While this was sufficient for accurate timekeeping, the new Caliber 7121 boasts a significantly higher frequency of 28,800 vph. This higher beat rate translates to several key improvements:
* Increased Accuracy: The higher frequency allows for more precise regulation of the timekeeping mechanism, resulting in greater accuracy and improved resistance to shocks and variations in position. This enhanced precision is particularly noticeable in the long term, reducing the potential for drift over extended periods.
* Improved Shock Resistance: The increased frequency also contributes to improved shock resistance. The higher number of oscillations per second means that the balance wheel is less susceptible to being thrown off by sudden impacts. This is a crucial factor for a watch intended for everyday wear.
* Enhanced Power Reserve: Counter-intuitively, despite the higher beat rate, the Caliber 7121 offers a longer power reserve than its predecessor. While the exact figures vary depending on the specific model, the improvement is substantial, extending the time the watch can run without winding. This is a testament to Audemars Piguet's advancements in movement design and efficiency. This longer power reserve significantly enhances the practicality of the watch, reducing the frequency of manual winding.
The Caliber 7121 is not simply a faster version of the Caliber 2121. It represents a complete redesign, incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and materials to enhance both performance and durability. The increased power reserve is a direct result of this redesign, optimizing energy efficiency and minimizing power consumption. The movement also showcases meticulous finishing, typical of Audemars Piguet's high standards, with intricate details visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. This allows the wearer to appreciate the artistry and complexity of the movement, a key element for many watch enthusiasts.
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