Prepare to be mesmerized by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, a true work of art born from the collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Haute Couture designer Tamara Ralph. Limited to just 102 pieces, this $203,800 timepiece is more than just a watch; it’s a hypnotic fusion of design and technology that takes center stage at the intersection of fashion and horology.
Revealed at the Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week, this masterpiece is crafted in 18-carat pink gold, seamlessly transitioning from rich brown to golden tones, mirroring the distinctive style of Tamara Ralph. The frosted gold finish, reminiscent of tiny diamonds, is complemented by the polished bezel of the 38.5mm wide pink gold case adorned with tiny steel hexagonal screws.
The star of the show is the multi-layered dial, a hypnotic display of four overlapping circular pink gold plates inspired by Tamara Ralph’s bold femininity and textured couture creations. The dial features a sunburst satin finish in four different shades of gold, with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock embellished with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds.
The pink gold hour and minute hands, coated with luminescence for readability in the dark, hover above an applied AP logo at 12 o’clock. While the absence of traditional hour markers is notable, the dial is a visual feast of intricate design details. Flip the watch over, and the caseback reveals the contemporary bridges of Audemars Piguet’s manual-winding caliber 2964.
Completing this exceptional timepiece are two alligator straps in bronze and brown hues, adding versatility to its luxurious appeal. Tamara Ralph expressed her vision for the collaboration, stating, ‘My intention for the design of this piece was for it to capture the spirit and craftsmanship of both my brand as well as Audemars Piguet. The complexities of watchmaking provide a foundation that can be explored in terms of textures, colors, and designs, allowing the savoir-faire of couture to shine through.’
Limited to 102 pieces, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept ‘Tamara Ralph’ is a collector’s dream, marrying the worlds of haute couture and horology in a harmonious blend of sophistication and style.
