Audemars Piguet RD#5 Chronograph – Design & Innovation
- after a decade of pushing the boundaries of horological innovation, Audemars Piguet is concluding its RD (research & Development) series. the culmination of this effort is the Royal...
- Introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak "Jumbo" (named for its than-large 39mm case size) revolutionized watch design.
- The heart of the RD#5 is the calibre 8100, a remarkably thin movement developed over five years.
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Audemars piguet Concludes RD Series with Royal Oak “Jumbo” RD#5
Table of Contents
What Happened: The End of an Era for Audemars Piguet’s RD Series
after a decade of pushing the boundaries of horological innovation, Audemars Piguet is concluding its RD (research & Development) series. the culmination of this effort is the Royal Oak “jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5, a timepiece representing five years of dedicated development. The pioneering spirit of the RD series will continue through the newly established AP Fabrication Laboratories, focusing on research, prototyping, and collaborative design.
The Royal Oak “Jumbo”: A Legacy of Design
Introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” (named for its than-large 39mm case size) revolutionized watch design. Its distinctive octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and exposed screws challenged conventional aesthetics and established a new standard for luxury sports watches.The “Jumbo” remains highly sought-after and continues too influence watchmaking today.
Calibre 8100: A technical Masterpiece
The heart of the RD#5 is the calibre 8100, a remarkably thin movement developed over five years. This movement combines a flying tourbillon – a complication known for enhancing accuracy – with a flyback chronograph, allowing for the measurement of elapsed time with a single press of a button. this is the first time these two complications have been integrated into a Royal Oak timepiece.
Technical Specifications
| feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| movement | Calibre 8100 |
| Complications | Flying Tourbillon, Flyback Chronograph |
| Case Size | 39mm |
| material | Platinum |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 60 hours |
What It Means: Innovation and the Future of Audemars Piguet
The RD#5 isn’t just a watch; it’s a statement about Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation. The conclusion of the RD series doesn’t signify an end to experimentation, but rather a shift in approach. The AP Fabrication Laboratories