Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41 Watch Review

Post date: May 05, 2016 6:20:26 AM

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak now has the AP logo applied to the dial just below the 12 o’clock marker, allowing for the designers to add a real hour marker for 12 o’clock, which, in this case, is a facetted white gold applied double baton marker, a major improvement aesthetically. Measuring 41 x 9.80 mm — the replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is only slightly larger than it predecessor, but as I mentioned above, the dial is also vastly improved. And the case back is now open, something not previously offered within this collection. Which, of course, is a shame for any movement coming out of Le Brassus. And as I mentioned above, there is also a new 37 mm version for people with small wrists (or women). Which one works best for you truly matters on your wrist size and personal taste. I tried on all three and the 37 mm is definitely too small for my wrist (which is 7 inches in circumference), the 39 mm looks good and so does the 41 mm, so which one did I prefer? Read on and I will tell you.

The Royal Oak’s case and bracelet are unique and highly distinguishable in an industry crowded with too many homogeneous designs. Needless to say, standing out is essential to success. From the signature hexagonal bezel, with its eight fully functional, polished screws which contrast the vertically brushed top side and polished outer edge of the bezel nicely, to the perfectly bevelled polished case band and lug edges with contrasting vertically brushed sides, to the matching bracelet with its flawless polished and brushed facets — the finish and design of the Royal Oak are unmistakable. It attracts attention. But not the kind of attention you get from the diamond bezel of a watch or 20-inch chrome rims on a car. It is much more subtle and classy. Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, screw-locked crown (engraved with AP logo). Water-resistant 50 meters. Stainless steel bracelet with folding AP-engraved clasp.

Caliber 3120 beats at 3Hz or 21,600 vibrations per hour (the Extra-Thin movement is thinner and utilizes caliber 2121). The bridges are finished with Cotes de Geneve, bevels of the bridges are diamond graved, inverted snailing on bridges with circular graining on the main plate, all done by hand operated machines. Automatic winding of the mainspring is handled by a beautifully engraved 22K rose gold monobloc oscillating weight, with increased efficiency thanks to ceramic ball bearings. Additionally, the rotor is bi-directional, meaning it winds in both directions, a feature that should hypothetically increase the winding efficiency. When fully wound, the 3120 has a 60-hour power reserve, which is nice as anything over the typical 42-hour power reserves seen on most watches, is welcome. A total of 280 components makes up the movement, 40 of which are jewels. The balance features variable inertia blocks, with a flat spring and a mobile stud.