As the grand finale of Audemars Piguet’s visionary Research & Development series, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 embodies the perfect harmony between heritage, innovation, and modern aesthetics. Introduced to commemorate Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary, this masterpiece stands as a pinnacle of creativity and technical mastery that has defined the Le Brassus-based Maison for over a century.
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A Perfect Finale to Audemars Piguet’s Research & Development Series
Audemars Piguet’s Research & Development (RD#) series has long served as a laboratory for the brand’s most ambitious horological experiments. From improving minute repeater efficiency to revolutionizing the perpetual calendar, each RD model represents a deep exploration of how technology can enhance tradition.
Now, the Royal Oak RD#5 concludes this chapter with something truly extraordinary: a combination of an ultra-thin flying tourbillon and a flyback chronograph within a Jumbo case measuring 39 mm in diameter and just 8.1 mm thick.
More than just a chronograph, the RD#5 explores the tactile mechanics of the pusher — inspired by the smooth responsiveness of a smartphone button, yet with the refined feedback of a vintage chronograph.
Design and Materials: Titanium, Bulk Metallic Glass, and the Elegance of “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”
The RD#5 preserves the iconic proportions of the Royal Oak, defined by elegant contours and meticulous finishing. Its construction combines lightweight titanium with Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), an experimental alloy prized for its subtle sheen and exceptional strength.
The dial showcases the classic Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 hue — a legendary shade of blue synonymous with the Royal Oak since 1972. Two snailed-finish subdials provide a beautiful contrast of textures, while the handwritten Audemars Piguet signature marks this special 150th-anniversary edition.
Every detail is executed with precision: white gold hands, titanium chronograph hands, and an innovative crown selector that reveals a red indicator when the watch is ready for time-setting.
Calibre 8100: A Revolutionary Fusion of Flying Tourbillon and Flyback Chronograp
Behind its visual elegance lies a groundbreaking engine — the Calibre 8100. This new selfwinding movement represents a major step forward in modern chronograph engineering.
At only 4 mm thick, it replaces the traditional hammer-and-heart cam system with a rack-and-pinion mechanism, resulting in lighter, more precise pusher operation. The reset-to-zero function occurs in just 0.15 seconds, made possible by micro-engineered titanium components.
The ultra-thin flying tourbillon, adapted from the RD#3 project, adds a mesmerizing visual dimension. Featuring a peripheral rotor, the RD#5 reveals a fully open mechanical architecture through its transparent sapphire caseback, reaffirming Audemars Piguet’s position as a pioneer in ultra-thin haute horlogerie.
Legacy, Collectibility, and Availability in Indonesia
Limited to just 150 pieces worldwide, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” RD#5 (Ref. 26545XT.OO.1240XT.01) serves as a fitting finale to a decade of extraordinary innovation. Beyond its technical brilliance, it symbolizes Audemars Piguet’s transition toward a new generation of user-centric innovation.
As a landmark in the history of haute horlogerie, the RD#5 will be remembered as the model that fused elegance, precision, and experimentation into one flawless creation.
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