The SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), held in Geneva from 14-17 January, was the first event of 2019 for watch collectors & lovers. Other than Baselworld, the SIHH might be one of the most important events within the watch industry as brands such as Audemars Piguet (AP), Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) and IWC present their novelties for the upcoming year.
As with every year, some novelties find more enthusiasm than others. Audemars Piguet has been sharply criticized for its new product line “Code 11:59 by Audemars Piguet” – you may have heard about it on social media (but don’t worry, The Collectors Circle will have a separate blog post for Code 11.59 to keep you up to date). But even with all of the attention on AP’s new collection, you may have missed that the company, based in Le Brassus, also introduced the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‚Jumbo‘ Extra-Thin Ref. 15202BC.OO.1240BC.01.
Limited to only 75 units for 2019, the new Jumbo is unlike its siblings of the series for one main reason. This Royal Oak matches its 18K white gold case and bracelet with a rose gold dial – not a “salmon dial” as I have read many times before in social media. The dial still includes the typical Audemars Piguet “Petite Tapisserie” pattern and it is accompanied by the white gold case, which has diameter of 39mm with a thickness of only 8mm. The caliber remains the same as for its siblings with a self-winding manufacture caliber 2121, includes 36 jewels and beats at 2.75 Hz while offering a power reserve of 40 hours. Unfortunately, AP will only sell this beauty at its own boutiques.
I’m not usually a big fan of mixing white gold with rose gold but this watch looks great! Audemars Piguet really did a great job of designing this one. Mr. Bennahmias, can we have more please!? I would love to see an AP Royal Oak 41mm with this gold combination.
Summary
Brand:
Audemars Piguet
Model:
Royal Oak ‚Jumbo‘ Extra-Thin Ref. 15202BC.OO.1240BC.01
Price:
Not yet released but we estimate it will be CHF 55’700 CHF (retail price)
Measurements:
39mm wide, 8mm thick
When to wear:
Tough one…the question should be, when not to wear. A beauty like this, should be worn 24/7 and you can match it perfectly for any occasion – for a dinner, sports event or any business opportunity. But we wouldn’t recommend you wear it while diving since it’s only water resistant up to 50m! – but no one would be stupid enough to wear this watch while diving, right?!
What we love about the watch:
The risk that AP took to combine the types of gold on this watch. The white gold case and bracelet makes it look like a normal steel watch, but the rose gold dial whispers “I am special”.
Image: „Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin“, https://www.horobox.com/en/review-detail/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-jumbo-extra-thin-ref-15202bc-oo-1240bc-01—sihh-2019-