Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has teamed up with fashion designer Matthew Williams to create what it is calling a “resolutely modern collection” of its famed Royal Oak watches.
Known for his work as creative director of Givenchy and 1017 ALYX 9SM, Matthew Williams’ minimalist and refined take on the Royal Oak looks all set to ignite a buying war between fashion and watch fans.
The collection includes four watch reference noticable for their minimalist aestheticand stripped back dial design. Ranging from 37mm to 42mm in diameter, the American designer described the pieces as “urban, minimalist, and effortlessly cool.”
The four references come in 18-carat yellow or white gold and are comprised of two Royal Oak models and two Royal Oak Offshore models of different diameters. This is the first time that the same design has been developed for both collections simultaneously.
Powered by the Audemars Piguet Calibre 3120, a self-winding movement with a 40-hour power reserve – the watches are limited to 1,000 pieces per reference and are available now through Audemars Piguet retailers.
In addition to the four watches in the main collection, Audemars Piguet has also released a limited-edition version of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold. This watch features a frosted gold case and bracelet, as well as a black dial with diamond hour markers. Only 250 pieces of this watch will be made.
The new Royal Oak collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Royal Oak design. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak has become one of the most iconic watches in the world. The new collection, with its minimalist design and high-quality craftsmanship, looks set to continue the Royal Oak legacy.