Audemars Piguet masters the skeletonized flying tourbillon: open architecture and hand finishing

With Audemars Piguet, haute horlogerie is expressed in materials, light and movement. This season, the company is showcasing skeletonized flying tourbillons that reveal the internal architecture, without compromising on use. In this way, the approach blends tradition and contemporary design for a result that is both technical and sensitive.

Audemars Piguet: flying tourbillons and skeletons on display

Skeletonization doesn’t just show the mechanism, it tells the story of the watch. What’s more, it imposes great design rigor, as each bridge becomes visible. The flying tourbillon adds a kinetic dimension that is easy to read on the wrist. As a result, these pieces combine spectacle, precision and workshop finishing.

Recent references play the card of consistency, while opening up clear options for collectors. Steel, sand gold, white gold and platinum cover a wide range of uses, from everyday to evening. The Code 11.59 angle also confirms a more modern bias, with mixed materials. In short, the offer remains sharp, but clear for those who want a strong point of reference.

Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Tourbillon Volant Automatique Squelette 26735ST.OO.1320ST.01. Steel case, brushed and mirror-polished finish, price on request.

“A well-thought-out openwork dial guides the eye, while allowing time to breathe.”

What skeletonization means for Audemars Piguet

A good skeleton balances legibility and depth, which is not so simple. Hand-machining and bevelling add relief to the surfaces. The contrasting hour markers and clear timer make for efficient reading. Audemars Piguet’s style is straightforward, but designed for real life.

Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Tourbillon Volant Automatique Squelette 26735SG.OO.1320SG.01. 18-carat sand gold, 41 mm, water-resistant to 50 m.

• Flying tourbillon visible from the dial
• 39 mm to 44 mm cases, depending on model
• Noble materials: steel, 18-carat gold, 950 platinum
• Water resistance up to 50 m on some models
• Prices vary, sometimes on request

Audemars Piguet range: sizes and materials, from sand to platinum

The skeleton chronograph provides a different, more rhythmic reading of time. In this way, the complication balances the visual energy of the tourbillon, with an assumed ergonomics. The choice of platinum reinforces its presence on the wrist, while maintaining a careful balance. What’s more, the price reflects the rarity and complexity of the whole.

Audemars Piguet – Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Volant Automatique Squelette 26601NR.OO.D002KB.01. 18-carat pink gold and black ceramic, 41 mm, water-resistant to 30 m.

Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Tourbillon Skeleton Chronograph 26347PT.OO.D315CR.01. 950 platinum, 44 mm, chronograph function, €297,420.

Ergonomics, waterproofing and everyday use

Comfort depends on the curvature of the case and the weight, especially in platinum. On the other hand, its presence on the wrist is a pleasure for those who like strong watches. Water resistance remains measured, as the open finish requires precise construction. In this way, each model targets a coherent use, from the office to dinner.

Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon Volant Squelette. Sand gold 18 carats, 41 mm.

Why these Audemars Piguet models mark the year

The extra-flat format represents a technical challenge, especially with a tourbillon. As a result, finishes must remain clean despite very tight tolerances. The word “Jumbo” refers to a historic silhouette beloved of purists. What’s more, white gold offers a discreet yet highly refined hue in the light.

Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak Tourbillon Volant Automatique Extra-flat. 18-carat white gold, 39 mm, “Jumbo“.

Audemars Piguet continues to orchestrate a dialogue between signature and innovation. From now on, each reference will be aligned with a clear, no-nonsense usage scenario. Details count, from the polished chamfers to the cut of the indexes. As a result, time reading gains in presence, without losing in precision.

• Audemars Piguet