Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm “Crystal Sand” Dial

Audemars Piguet reveals two animations of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding in 18-carat white or yellow gold. Adorned with a special “Crystal Sand” finished dial, which complements the hammered surface of the case and bracelet, these monochrome timepieces are endowed with refined contrasting details, offering a mesmerising play of light and texture. Powered by the Calibre 5800, these 34 mm wristwatches are designed to fit the smaller wrists and highlight Audemars Piguet’s uncompromising approach to fine watchmaking.

A “Crystal Sand” finish in rhodium or gold tones

The “Crystal Sand” finished dial complementing the Frosted Gold finish of the case and bracelet, adds a unique and textured scintillating pattern to the centre of the watch.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm Ref. 77450BC.GG.1361BC.01. © Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Crafted by Audemars Piguet’s artisans, the embossed motif is conceived from the shape of a real ruthenium crystal. The stamping die is created atom by atom, through a metal deposition process known as electroforming.¹ To complete the monochromatic look, the colour of the new motif is obtained by galvanic bath, respectively in rhodium and gold coating, to enhance the depth of the pattern, while maximising the play of light.

Refined contrasting details decorate the rhodium-toned “Crystal Sand” finished dial of the 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding in Frosted white gold. © Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

The white gold animation is adorned with 18-carat pink gold hour-markers and hands with luminescent coating. Alternatively, on the yellow gold model, the warm tones of the watch are contrasted with polished 18-carat white gold hour-markers and hands for a distinctive touch. The “Audemars Piguet” signature, obtained through galvanic growth and fitted on a cartouche below the double hour-markers at 12 o’clock, is applied in the same gold as the decorations. Blending into the background, the date window at 3 o’clock matches the tones of the two watches’ harmonious design.

¹ In electroforming, a metal part is formed or grown atom by atom in an aqueous solution under the influence of an electric current. The metal is deposited onto its substrate to create the desired part. This metal forming process allows for high accuracy and the creation of complex and detailed shapes.

Crafting light with texture

The new Royal Oak Selfwinding models feature a 34 mm case and matching bracelet in either 18-carat yellow or white gold, entirely decorated with a hammered finish for a captivating play on the light. Renamed “Frosted Gold” by Audemars Piguet, this age-old technique was reinterpreted by jeweller Carolina Bucci in 2016 for the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak for women and adapted by Audemars Piguet artisans to adorn the Manufacture’s timepieces. To obtain the desired result, tiny indentations are chiselled into the surface of the gold using a diamond-tipped tool, giving the gold a special grain that reflects light in a unique way.

The “Crystal Sand” finish embellishes the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding with texture and light. © Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Combining gleam and sparkle, the diamond dust effect of the Frosted Gold is contrasted with polished and satin-brushed surfaces. While the facetted bevels highlight the Royal Oak’s distinctive octagonal bezel, the satin finish on the case and bracelet flanks adds depth, texture and light.

A refined selfwinding movement

The two new timepieces are powered by Calibre 5800, designed specifically for the Royal Oak 34 mm collection unveiled in 2020. This 4mm-thick movement beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and has 50 hours of power reserve. The mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback, revealing the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and refined decorations, including Côtes de Genève, satin and sunray brushing, circular graining and polished chamfers.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm Ref. 77450BC.GG.1361BC.01

Technical specifications

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm

Reference: 77450BC.GG.1361BC.01

Case

Material: Hammered 18-carat white gold
Diameter: 34 mm
Case thickness: 8.8 mm
Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback
Water-resistant to 50 meters

Dial and hands

Rhodium-plated “Crystal Sand” finished dial
18-carat pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands coated with luminescent material.

Movement

Selfwinding Calibre 5800
Total diameter 23.9 mm (10 ½ lignes)
Thickness: 4 mm
Number of parts: 186
Number of jewels: 28
Minimum power reserve guaranteed 50 h
Frequency of balance wheel 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)

Functions/Indications

Hours, minutes, centre seconds and date.

Strap and buckle

Hammered 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp.

MSRP: CHF 54'100

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm Ref. 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01

Technical specifications

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm

Reference: 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01