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Audemars Piguet Mini Royal Oak: A Perfect Blend of Craftsmanship and Feminine Elegance

Author: Phuriwat Hirunrangsee | Photographer: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Aug 14, 2024

"...The designs from Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak collection are undoubtedly among the best in iconic timepieces that people aspire to own, as the case's octagonal shape and elegant gold band create a stylish and contemporary appearance, making it a stunning accessory. Since its debut in the 1970s, the model has gained increasing popularity, and Audemars Piguet has recently unveiled the Mini Royal Oak, which features a fresh design that seamlessly blends exquisite jewellery with the world of haute horology..."

Gérald Genta, a renowned designer who has crafted numerous remarkable timepieces for various watch manufacturers, created the Royal Oak in 1972. The original model, with its steel case and strap adorned with a touch of opulence, exuded a confident and masculine aesthetic. After four years, Jacqueline Dimier, the Head of Product Design at the time, crafted a watch specifically for women. She maintained the essence of the original timepiece, creating a 29 mm case with an octagonal steel bezel adorned with hexagonal studs at each of the eight corners.

This year's Mini Royal Oak boasts a 23 mm casing that perfectly fits women's wrists. The Mini Royal Oak watch from 1997 has undergone a size modification. The previous version featured a 20 mm casing with the thinnest quartz movement available at the time. This latest collection crafted the case and strap from Frosted Gold, a material that undergoes a unique treatment to achieve the captivating look of icy flakes. This technique involves carefully hammering gold with diamond-tipped tools to create tiny indentations on its surface. Skilled artisans in Florence have used the Florentine Technique, a traditional method of metal surface ornamentation. A talented woman, Carolina Bucci, collaborated with AP to create a unique clock to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The dial features a tone-on-tone Petite Tapisserie pattern, adding a unique touch to this watch model.

The Mini Royal Oak is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also boasts the reliable Calibre 2730 quartz movement, ensuring a lifespan of up to seven years. This timekeeping innovation effortlessly combines modern functionality with a stunning design. The design of the Mini Royal Oak is truly captivating.

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