Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar In White Ceramic

Audemars Piguet's love affair with ceramic has been out in the open for a while now and it only gets bolder, deeper and unswerving every year. The brand presented a black iteration of the iconic Perpetual Calendar Royal Oak at SIHH 2017. The matte black and brushed ceramic treatment for this watch was extended to the bracelet as well, making the reference 26579CE, the first all-ceramic timepiece from AP.

In 2019, AP introduced a dashing sequel to this timepiece – the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26579CB.OO.1225CB.01 – crafted in hand-finished white ceramic, including the bracelet of course. What makes this all-ceramic model so special is the ingenuity of the craftsmen who worked on the complex case structure with such dexterity. Here's what makes the white ceramic Royal Oak so desirable:

Finished To Perfection

Timepieces like the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26579CB.OO.1225CB.01 demands immense conviction and expertise from creators. Working with ceramic means facing the challenges involved in the complex manufacturing process. A reference like the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic requires intense research and several hours of polishing, hand-finishing, and assembling. This watch is stunning because AP believes in no compromises come what may.

Clad in full-white ceramic, the watch has been bestowed with a cool blue dial with grande tapisserie pattern. Its surfaces perpetuate the iconic Royal Oak design with polished bevels on the sides, where the flat elements of the body and bracelet feature brushed surfaces. Unlike its elder sibling in black, the watch makes no effort to be discreet. Launched in the summer of 2019, this bright white timepiece was quick to get the attention of collectors and connoisseurs.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic is the most distinct all-white timepiece, thanks to the captivating contrast presented by its dial. Its subtle elegance is evident in its ceramic construction and sheen, unlike other creations in metal. Lighter and yet stronger than steel, ceramic is also a scratch-resistant material that softly reflects light. Achieving stable ceramic constructions is an engineering masterstroke that AP plays both confidently and comfortably.

The watchmaker has chosen a classic blue grande tapisserie dial that has been produced in-house. For its contrast, you see silver subdials that add another layer of charm to the stunning white ceramic Royal Oak. The white luminous material in the hands and white engravings seamlessly unite with the case and bracelet. White gold applied hour-markers and a blue inner bezel also add depth to its semblance.

The week number indication on the inner flange is the same as any other Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and the day, date, month, moon phase and week of the year join hands to finish this quantième perpétuel complication. The leap year indication, which was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1955, is also featured on the decorated dial. The astronomical moon appearing on an aventurine background needs correction every 126 years (approx.).

This white ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, water-resistant up to 20 meters, comes housed in a 41mm case that features a glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback and a screw-locked crown. Powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 5134 automatic movement, the timepiece delivers a power reserve of around 40 hours. This selfwinding movement is 29mm in diameter, 4.5mm in thickness, and makes 19,800 vibrations per hour.

Specifications

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

Reference Number: 26579CB.OO.1225CB.01
Movement: Caliber 5134
Mechanism: Selfwinding
Frequency: 2.75Hz
Functions: Perpetual calendar with week indication, day, date, astronomical moon, month, leap year, hours and minutes
Power reserve: 40 hours (approx.)
Case: 41mm white ceramic
Water Resistance: Up to 20 meters
Strap: White ceramic bracelet with AP folding clasp in blackened polished steel

The watch can be sourced by Wristcheck.