Audemars Piguet's 2024 releases: New Royal Oaks, Code's 11.59, Offshores & more

While the spotlight might have initially shone on John Mayer, Audemars Piguet's latest releases offer a wide array of choices, featuring innovative materials and designs, including an unprecedented camouflage aesthetic.

As the watch world anticipates the flurry of new releases at Watches & Wonders 2024, Audemars Piguet sets its own stage in Milan, Italy, marking the occasion with the opening of the new AP House Milan in the iconic Garage Traversi. This event served as the perfect backdrop for the brand's semi-annual showcase of new watches.

MILAN'S DUOMO AND THE NEW AP HOUSE

The Milan Duomo stands more majestic than ever, especially with ongoing constructions that promise to enhance its vicinity. The entrance of the newly inaugurated AP House Milan dazzles visitors with an array of historic timepieces, while a charming moment was captured with Sebastian Vivas, the Heritage & Museum Director, serenading the audience on the piano.

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE WITH NEW RELEASES

Despite the star power of John Mayer's Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, the press preview was a whirlwind of innovation and elegance, with each timepiece only briefly making its way around the room, leaving attendees eager for a closer look.

Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in Sand Gold (Ref. 26735SG)

This new entry is a testament to material innovation, boasting a unique sand gold color achieved by substituting silver with palladium in the alloy, creating a versatile hue that shifts with the light. Priced at $250,000. It is a different kind of colour for a Royal Oak but the end result seems to work pretty well.

Royal Oak White Gold Selfwinding Tourbillon Extra-Thin (Ref. 26660BC)

The RD#3 dazzles with a smoked blue dial and diamond hour markers, encapsulated in a remarkably sleek white gold 37mm case. Available for $240,000.

Royal Oak Variations in Yellow Gold (Ref. 26240BA and Ref. 15550BA)

AP also unveiled two yellow gold models: the Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm (26240BA) and the Selfwinding 37mm in Yellow Frosted Gold ( 15550BA), each bringing a distinct character to the iconic Royal Oak design.

Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 43mm with Rubber Bezel (Ref. 15605SK)

This new Offshore model introduces a rubber bezel, combining a smoked blue dial with a contemporary Méga Tapisserie pattern for a fresh take on the Offshore lineage. Priced at $27,800, we anticipate this one to be one of the most sought after pieces in the offshore line.

Celebrating Code 11.59's Fifth Anniversary

The Code 11.59 series sees a refresh with new dial variations and a shift towards pink gold, offering a refined aesthetic across both the selfwinding and chronograph models. We believe AP still struggles to find a market fit for this entire collection that was launched to merge elegance with sporty vibes.

A White Gold 'Jumbo' Openworked and new Royal Oak Tourbillons (Ref. 16204BC & Ref. 26730ST)

With the discontinuation of the steel "Jumbo" Openworked, Audemars Piguet introduces a white gold variant and expands its tourbillon offerings in both stainless steel and pink gold, providing a range of options for enthusiasts ( who will be lucky enough to get on a list for one of these)

Innovations in Camouflage Ceramic

A standout was the prototype of a camouflage ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, showcasing Audemars Piguet's advancements in ceramic technology and offering a bold aesthetic.

In a nutshell, the new Audemars Piguet's 2024 collection aims to reaffirm the brand status at the forefront of innovation and design, promising the industry a range of new options to admire. Which would you take if money was no object?