Audemars Piguet has unveiled three new 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph models, each powered by the brand's newly developed in-house automatic chronograph movement, the Caliber 6401. This significant upgrade marks a departure from the Frederic Piguet movement that had been used for nearly three decades, bringing with it improved accuracy, enhanced reliability, and a more aesthetically pleasing design. These new timepieces are available in stainless steel with a striking blue dial, or in two exquisite 18K rose gold options, one featuring a dark gray dial and the other a luxurious sand gold dial with a diamond-studded bezel. A notable design change across all new models is the inclusion of a sapphire display case back, allowing enthusiasts to admire the intricate workings of the Caliber 6401.
The introduction of the Caliber 6401 represents a pivotal moment for Audemars Piguet, showcasing its commitment to in-house innovation and refined craftsmanship. Beyond the technical advancements, subtle yet impactful design modifications have been implemented. The chronograph pushers are now positioned slightly wider apart, contributing to a more balanced case profile. On the dial, the minute and hour counters have been reconfigured for a more intuitive layout, with all three sub-dials now appearing to be of a consistent size. The date window has also been repositioned to sit perfectly between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers, further enhancing the dial's symmetry and readability. These thoughtful adjustments, combined with the superior performance of the new movement, elevate the 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph to a new standard of horological excellence.
The Refined Aesthetics and Features of the New Royal Oak Chronographs
The latest 38mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronographs arrive with subtle yet impactful enhancements to their external design, primarily driven by the integration of the new in-house Caliber 6401. While retaining the classic 38mm diameter, the watches see a marginal increase in thickness to 11.1mm, a minor adjustment attributed to the new display case back that reveals the intricate movement within. The chronograph pushers are now spaced slightly farther apart, contributing to a more balanced and refined case silhouette. On the dial, the minute and hour totalizers have exchanged positions with the running seconds, creating a more logical and harmonious display. Notably, all three sub-dials now appear to be of uniform size, and the sub-seconds register is adorned with numerals. The date window has been thoughtfully relocated to sit precisely between the 4 and 5 o'clock indices, enhancing overall dial symmetry. These meticulous design adjustments reflect Audemars Piguet's dedication to both aesthetic perfection and functional improvement.
The collection offers three distinct variations, catering to diverse tastes while maintaining the iconic Royal Oak design language. The classic stainless steel model features the signature blue Grande Tapisserie dial, offering a timeless and versatile option. For those seeking a touch of opulence, two 18K rose gold models are available. One boasts a sophisticated dark gray Grande Tapisserie dial complemented by contrasting ivory sub-dials. The other rose gold iteration elevates luxury further with a sand gold Grande Tapisserie main dial, also paired with ivory sub-dials, and is adorned with a bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.92 carats. Each model now includes a sapphire display case back, a first for the 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph line, allowing an unobstructed view of the beautifully finished Caliber 6401. These new offerings combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, providing collectors with enhanced options and a superior horological experience.
Unveiling the Advanced Caliber 6401 In-House Movement
The true innovation underpinning the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronographs is the in-house developed Caliber 6401, a culmination of five years of dedicated engineering by Audemars Piguet. This automatic, fully integrated chronograph movement represents a significant leap forward from the previously utilized Frederic Piguet caliber 2385. The Caliber 6401 incorporates a column wheel and a vertical clutch, comprising 348 components and 44 jewels, a notable increase from its predecessor's 304 parts and 37 jewels. Operating at a higher frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) compared to the former 21,600 vph, the new movement promises enhanced accuracy and stability. Additionally, it boasts an extended power reserve of 55 hours, a substantial improvement over the previous 40 hours. This commitment to in-house development underscores Audemars Piguet's pursuit of horological independence and superior performance, setting a new benchmark for its chronograph offerings.
Beyond its impressive specifications, the Caliber 6401 also delivers tangible improvements in user experience. The increased frequency contributes to a higher level of precision, a key characteristic highlighted by the brand. Furthermore, the new movement is engineered to require less force when activating the chronograph pushers, a refinement also observed in other recently introduced Audemars Piguet models like the Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5. A significant aesthetic and functional enhancement is the introduction of a sapphire display case back across all 38mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronographs, a first for this specific model size. This transparent case back allows connoisseurs to admire the intricate finishing of the Caliber 6401, including its skeletonized rotor, elegant Geneva waves, and meticulously polished chamfers. The combination of technical superiority, refined aesthetics, and user-centric improvements makes the Caliber 6401 a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet's ongoing innovation in luxury watchmaking.