Among the most luxurious of timepieces, there’s thin, and then there’s Audemars Piguet RD#3 thin. When we talk about pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, it's hard to overlook what Audemars Piguet has achieved with the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3.
The RD#3 is everything we love about the Royal Oak but taken to a level that almost defies belief. Imagine all the iconic elements—the octagonal bezel, the "Tapisserie" dial, the integrated bracelet—compressed into a case that’s so thin it could practically vanish on your wrist. Yet, despite its svelte profile, the Audemars Piguet RD#3 doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of the technical prowess or the aesthetic appeal that the brand is known for.
What Makes the Royal Oak Stand Out
Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak was a game-changer. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, it challenged the norms of luxury watch design with its bold, octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. The Royal Oak didn’t just stand out; it redefined what a luxury sports watch could be.
Today, Audemars Piguet RD#3 is a proud continuation of this legacy. The watch retains all the hallmark features of the Royal Oak, but it does so in a case that’s a mere 8.1mm thick. That’s thinner than most of the smartphones in your pocket! Yet, this isn’t just about making a watch that’s thin for the sake of it. The RD#3 is a masterpiece because it maintains the same robust performance and intricate detailing as its predecessors, despite its slimmed-down form.
Spotlight on the Flying Tourbillon Masterpiece
What truly sets the Audemars Piguet RD#3 apart is its flying tourbillon. Tourbillons are already a feat of watchmaking, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy. But a flying tourbillon? That takes the complexity up a notch. Unlike a traditional tourbillon, a flying tourbillon is not supported by an upper bridge, creating the illusion that it’s floating freely. It’s a spectacle that never fails to mesmerize, and in RD#3, it’s executed with such finesse that you might find yourself staring at your wrist more than usual.
Now, fitting a flying tourbillon into a case this thin is where the genius of Audemars Piguet truly shines. The RD#3's movement, the caliber 2968, is only 3.4mm thick. To put that into perspective, that’s thinner than three credit cards stacked together. And yet, this ultra-thin movement powers a watch that’s not only reliable but also breathtakingly beautiful.
The “Tapisserie” Dial
One glance at the Audemars Piguet RD#3, and your eyes are immediately drawn to its “Tapisserie” dial. This intricate pattern is a signature of the Royal Oak collection, and in the RD#3, it’s been reimagined to complement the watch’s ultra-thin design. The RD#3 features a Petite Tapisserie pattern, which is slightly more refined and subtle compared to the traditional Grande Tapisserie. This choice adds an extra layer of sophistication to the watch, allowing it to balance its sporty roots with a touch of elegance.
The dial is available in a stunning blue hue, which has become something of a signature for the Royal Oak line. It’s a color that’s both bold and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re suiting up for a formal event or dressing down for a weekend getaway. The white gold hour markers and hands offer a crisp contrast against the blue, ensuring that readability is never compromised, even in such a slim profile.
The Case: Ultra-Thin, Ultra-Strong
One of the most impressive aspects of the Audemars Piguet RD#3 is how the brand has managed to maintain the structural integrity of the watch despite its ultra-thin case. At just 8.1mm thick, the case still offers the robustness and durability that the Royal Oak is known for. Made from stainless steel, the case is not only lightweight but also incredibly resilient, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of daily wear.
The RD#3’s case design is a perfect blend of form and function. The iconic octagonal bezel, secured with eight hexagonal screws, remains a focal point, serving as a reminder of the Royal Oak’s heritage. The bezel's polished and brushed finishes play with light in a way that’s both subtle and striking, creating a visual contrast that adds depth to the watch’s overall appearance.
The Bracelet: Comfort Meets Style
When it comes to the bracelet, Audemars Piguet has once again outdone itself. The integrated bracelet has always been a hallmark of the Royal Oak, and in the RD#3, it’s as much a part of the watch’s identity as ever. Despite the watch’s ultra-thin profile, the bracelet remains sturdy and comfortable, making it a pleasure to wear throughout the day.
The bracelet is crafted from stainless steel, matching the case and adding to the watch’s cohesive design. Each link is meticulously hand-finished, with alternating brushed and polished surfaces that catch the light beautifully. The seamless integration between the bracelet and the case not only enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its overall wearability.
A Closer Look at the Caliber 2968
At the heart of the Audemars Piguet RD#3 is the caliber 2968, a movement that’s as impressive for its thinness as it is for its technical prowess. Measuring just 3.4mm in thickness, the caliber 2968 is one of the thinnest automatic movements ever created by Audemars Piguet. Despite its slim profile, this movement is packed with features that make it a true marvel of micro-engineering.
One of the standout features of the caliber 2968 is its flying tourbillon, which is positioned at 6 o’clock on the dial. The tourbillon is not only visually captivating but also serves a functional purpose, improving the accuracy of the watch by counteracting the effects of gravity. The movement operates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, making it both reliable and practical for everyday use.
Audemars Piguet has also paid close attention to the finishing of the movement, which is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève, while the mainplate features circular graining. The level of detail in the finishing is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence, and it’s something that any watch enthusiast will appreciate.
The User Experience: Wearing the RD#3
When it comes to wearing the Audemars Piguet RD#3, it’s an experience that’s hard to put into words. The watch’s ultra-thin profile makes it feel incredibly light on the wrist, almost as if it’s not there at all. Yet, at the same time, there’s a reassuring sense of quality and craftsmanship that’s evident in every detail.
The RD#3’s slim design makes it a versatile piece that can easily transition from day to night, from the office to a formal event. It’s a watch that doesn’t demand attention but rather earns it, with its understated elegance and technical brilliance.
What’s more, the RD#3 is a watch that’s bound to spark conversations. Whether it’s the flying tourbillon, the stunning “Tapisserie” dial, or the fact that it’s one of the thinnest automatic watches in the world, there’s no shortage of talking points when it comes to this timepiece.
Other Iconic Ultra-Thin Watches by Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is renowned not only for its innovation in ultra-thin watchmaking but also for consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this niche. The RD#3 is the latest in a storied line of ultra-thin timepieces from the brand, each representing a milestone in the evolution of slim watch design. Let’s take a look at some of the other iconic ultra-thin watches that have set benchmarks in the world of horology.
1. Royal Oak Extra-Thin (15202ST)
Often referred to as the "Jumbo," The Royal Oak Extra-Thin 15202ST is a direct homage to the original Royal Oak. Introduced in 2012 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak, this model maintains the same slim profile and classic design elements of the 1972 original. It features a 39mm case and a thickness of just 8.1mm, showcasing the brand's commitment to the ultra-thin tradition.
2. Royal Oak Ultra-Thin (15202BC)
The Royal Oak Ultra-Thin 15202BC is a variant that stands out due to its use of luxurious white gold. This edition combines the timeless design of the Royal Oak with an even more opulent material, offering a sophisticated take on the ultra-thin concept. Its 8.1mm thickness and refined aesthetics make it a preferred choice for those seeking both elegance and performance.
3. Royal Oak Selfwinding Extra-Thin (15202OR)
This model adds a touch of warmth to the ultra-thin category with its rose gold case. The Royal Oak Selfwinding Extra-Thin (15202OR) is celebrated for its blend of classic Royal Oak features with a more contemporary and luxurious material. At 8.1mm thick, it delivers the same slender profile while enhancing the watch’s visual appeal with its golden hue.
4. Royal Oak Concept Ultra-Thin Tourbillon (26510PT)
The Royal Oak Concept Ultra-Thin Tourbillon (26510PT) pushes the limits of both design and engineering. This timepiece features a platinum case and an ultra-thin tourbillon, standing out for its futuristic look and technical complexity. With a case thickness of just 10.3mm, it’s slightly thicker than the RD#3 but still remarkable for its advanced tourbillon mechanism.
5. Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (26522ST)
The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (26522ST) showcases the brand’s expertise in creating elegant, high-performance timepieces. With a 41mm case and a slim profile, this model integrates a flying tourbillon in a design that balances contemporary aesthetics with the technical excellence typical of Audemars Piguet.
These iconic ultra-thin watches from Audemars Piguet not only highlight the brand’s mastery in creating slim, high-performance timepieces but also illustrate its ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Each model, from the classic Royal Oak Extra-Thin to the cutting-edge Royal Oak Concept Ultra-Thin Tourbillon, represents a significant achievement in the quest for slimness without sacrificing functionality or style. As we continue to admire these remarkable creations, the legacy of Audemars Piguet in the ultra-thin watch sector remains both illustrious and inspiring.
Experience the Ultimate in Slim Design: Audemars Piguet RD#3
The Audemars Piguet RD#3 is a remarkable achievement in the world of watchmaking. Its ultra-thin profile, sophisticated design, and advanced technical features make it a standout piece in the Royal Oak collection and a significant milestone in the evolution of luxury watches. By pushing the limits of what’s possible with ultra-thin movements and flying tourbillons, RD#3 not only celebrates the legacy of the Royal Oak but also sets the stage for the future of horological innovation. For anyone passionate about fine watches, the Audemars Piguet RD#3 is a watch that promises to impress and inspire for years to come.
