Satisfying modern engineering and style.

This tourbillon has been implemented in models in the cheap Audemars Piguet catalogue since 1997, but only recently has the model received a major upgrade with the self-flying tourbillon introduced last year.

Audemars Piguet has now unveiled its cutout sibling, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked (ref. 26735). The new model comes with a completely new calibration. The 2792, an automatic movement that is both aesthetically and structurally modern, its meticulously designed details are typical of the Audemars Piguet movement construction method.

initial thought
The new Royal Oak Tourbillon stands out for its modern aesthetics, especially when it comes to the movement. Despite its decades-old design, the Royal Oak Tourbillon remains somewhat original, thanks in part to the movement.

But the sport is more than just a styling exercise. It incorporates several cleverly designed details that illustrate the watchmaker’s efforts to create timepieces rooted in contemporary watchmaking philosophies.

While skeleton watches are neither new nor rare, the exposed mechanics are still fascinating, allowing geeks to connect the dots between the parts visible on the front and back. As a typical AP bone movement, cal. The 2972 ​​is done in a very modern Haute Horlogerie way – mirror-polished dips and countersinks contrast with the ruled bridges for a monochromatic look.

I personally find the layout of cal . The 2972 ​​may be overly complex, with its many pointed bridges and single tone creating a repetitive and complex look. Comparisons with the more recent “Jumbo” Openworked are inevitable. Although its mechanics are simpler (or maybe because of it), it has a more streamlined architecture and is slightly better done with stock images.

That said, the watch does a great job of retaining the proportions of the classic Royal Oak, at 41mm wide and 10.6mm high, which is thin given the complexity and three-dimensionality of the movement.

Carl. 2972
Inside the Tourbillon Openworked is a new movement, the cal. 2972 based on cal. The 2950 is found in a non-skeleton version of the watch. Both movements share the same architecture, but the former is open and modified in several ways.

The movement looks coherent and stylish after being skeletonized, which shows that the two movements were developed at the same time, with skeletonization in mind from the very beginning, just like the cal. 7121 and the cal. 7124 in Jumbo “Extra Thin” and its skeleton siblings. men watches cheap

It’s worth noting that the movement is clearly designed to showcase the tourbillon, as the movement has been redesigned to avoid positioning the wheel above the tourbillon, allowing the regulator to be clearly visible.

Another well thought out detail in cal engineering. The 2972 ​​is an anti-backlash gear located in a sports unit, consisting of two superimposed gears with springs in their spokes. These reduce “play” between gears, making time setting more tactile and precise.

While the movement is decidedly modern in style, its back also contains a standout classic detail: the winding click is a simplified version of the traditional grande Sonnerie, with the click and tension spring integrated in the barrel cover.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-winding Flying Tourbillon Skeleton
refer to. 26735ST.OO.1320ST.01

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 10.6 mm
Material: Steel
Glass: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Carl. 2972
Functions: Hour and minute hands Winding: Automatic
winding
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet