What movement is used in Audemars Piguet Royal Oak


The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic luxury watches ever created. It made its debut in 1972 and was the design of Geral Genta. The model revolutionized the watch industry. The timepiece was the first luxury sports watch made from stainless steel. It featured an octagonal bezel with screws on top and had an integrated bracelet. What gives it even more of a distinctive look is the complicated geometric pattern and its “tapisserie” dial. Its innovative approach and elegance made the Royal Oak symbol of technical excellence. The Timepiece is attracting many watch collectors worldwide.


The Role of Movements in Luxury Watches

Movements are the heart of any luxury watch. The mechanical movements drive the hands of the watch and the complications inside the case. Such as a chronograph or a perpetual calendar, without batteries. High-end watch movements are engineered with extreme care. They are hand-assembled and feature hundreds of components in perfect harmony. There are two types: manual and automatic. Automatic movements capture kinetic energy from the wearer’s motion. Many luxury timepieces include decorated movements that are visible via a case back.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 1st Edition

Early Movements in the Royal Oak

Early movements in the Royal Oak spoke to precision and innovation in watchmaking. Setting the stage for this luxury sports watch. The original Royal Oak used the ultra-thin Caliber 2121. Developed with Jaeger-Lecoultre. It was legendary because of its incredible svelte-3.05 mm. This enabled this watch to keep a skinny shape while still sporting sturdy automatic winding and a date indication. The Caliber 2121 was a modification of the Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Caliber 920.


What movement is used in Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre for Movements

The partnership between AP and Jaeger-LeCoultre was important. Their collaboration developed some revolutionary movements including for the Royal Oak. In the early 1970s, Audemars Piguet needed a movement to pair with the revolutionary design of the Royal Oak. They approached Jaeger-Lecoultre. At the time one of the few companies was competent from a technical point of view. Audemars Piguet reworked the base movement into the ultra-thin Caliber 2121. A marvel of engineering at 3.05mm thick. This cooperation united the innovative know-how of Jaeger-LeCoultre and the boundless spirit of Audemars Piguet.


The Caliber 2121: A Revolutionary Thin Movement

The Caliber 2121 was introduced in 1972. It was the revolutionary movement as it was 3.05 mm thick. The movement was developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre and further refined by Audemars Piguet. Despite the slender profile, the Caliber 2121 was robust and accurate. Its design was revolutionary and balanced technical sophistication. The form complemented the sleek lines of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This movement was used by prestigious brands. It was much more than an engineering miracle. It was a sign of horological art, earning its place in the history of watchmaking.

Audemars Piguet Caliber 2121

Photo Source: www.apchronicles.audemarspiguet.com


Royal Oak Movements Caliber 3120

Image Source: www.watchbase.com

Modern Royal Oak Movements Caliber 3120

The Caliber 3120 was a big evolution of the movement technology. Introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2003. This automatic movement stands as proof of commitment to precision, reliability, and craftsmanship. It was manufactured and designed in-house by the brand. It is rugged yet keeps the signature slim profile of the Royal Oak. finishing is also outstanding With hand-decorated bridges and a delicate rotor, engravings, carrying the Audemars Piguet family crest. with the Caliber 3120, Audemars Piguet shows attachment to modern horology. While leaving intact the classic essence that characterized the royal Oak.


Chronograph movements in the Royal Oak

Early models of Royal Oak Chronograph have the modular Caliber 2385. ultra-thin automatic derived from the Frederic Piguet. 1185 that boasted a 40-hour power reserve and silky-smooth operation of the chronograph. In 2021 Audemars Piguet introduced the in-house Caliber 4401. An integrated flyback chronograph movement with a 70-hour power reserve. The Caliber 4401 provides a column wheel. Along with a vertical clutch for higher accuracy. These movements carry the legacy of Royal Oak. Innovative function plus exquisite beauty in harmony.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331IP.OO.1220IP.01 Titanium Watch Grey Dial

Audemars Piguet The Flying Tourbillon Movement

Photo Source: www.swisswatches-magazine.com

The Flying Tourbillon Movement

The Flying tourbillon movements from AP are examples of horological artistry and expertise. First introduced within the Royal Oak collection in 2018. They show the manufacturer’s ability to craft complex mechanisms with contemporary aesthetics. Unlike, the traditional tourbillon, the flying tourbillon is attached without an upper bridge. Making it appear floating and striking on the wrist. Caliber 2950 manually wound. These movements indicate AP’s commitment to pushing technical boundaries.


Skeletonized Movements: A Display of Craftsmanship

Skeletonized movements from AP represent the perfect blend of craftsmanship and technical innovation. While removing excess material, these movements expose the innermost details of the watch. Maintaining its structural integrity and precision. A perfect example is the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Opnerworked. The timepiece is powered by the Caliber 3132. The model boasts a patented double-balance wheel mechanism for increased accuracy. Each skeletonized movement is hand-finished by techniques. Such as polishing and engraving. Creating an amazing display of mechanics and artistry. These watches marry technical complexity with aesthetic brilliance. Embodying Audemars Piguet’s avant-garde spirit.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 37mm Frosted Gold

Photo Source: www.beyondthedial.com


What Sets Audemars Piguet Movements Apart

The designs are executed with unparalleled detail. Most watches boast complicated movements through which perpetual calendars, flying tourbillons, or even chronographs are performed. In-house manufacturing gives complete control over the quality. While intricate hand-finishing techniques like beveling, perlage, and engraving add unparalleled aesthetic value. Audemars Piguet makes innovation a priority.


Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Chronograph 26393OR.OO.A002KB.03 Rose Gold With Black Textile Watch Blue Dial 2021

The Role of Innovation in AP’s Movement Evolution

Innovation became the heartbeat of the evolution in the movement of Audemars Piguet. AP has driven its reputation for excellence and creativity. From the ultra-thin caliber 2121 in the 1972 Royal Oak to the integral chronograph movement in the code 11:59 collection. AP is never stopping to advance the boundaries of horology. Its patented mechanism for a double balance wheel, applied in the Royal Oak Double Balance Openworked, enhances its stability and precision. It is also working on many in-house manufactured calibers. Such as the caliber 4401 with a flyback chronograph. This Caliber shows AP’s commitment to contemporary engineering while retaining timeless elegance. Innovations such as skeletonized movements and flying tourbillons marry technical sophistication with artistic beauty. Placing Audemars Piguet at the top of luxury watchmaking.


Conclusion: The Legacy of Royal Oak Movements

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an icon of high-end watchmaking and it is because of the movements driving its watches. Most of the models from the Royal Oak line are fitted with in-house calibers by Audemars Piguet. Such as the Caliber 3120 and ultra-thin Caliber 2121. which have become synonymous with precision and perfection in craftsmanship. These movements are constructed to boast meticulous engineering. A robust power reserve and exceptional finishing with the signature Geneva stripes and polished edges. If there is one brand that has constantly pushed the limits of innovations, it is Audemars Piguet. Which introduced the integrated chronograph movement Calibre 4401 some years ago. A Royal Oak is synonymous with horological excellence.

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