Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 'Frosted Skeleton'

One name: Gerald Genta. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is perhaps Genta’s most memorable work, and in many ways changed the shape of the watch industry. The Royal Oak essentially created an entirely new category of 'luxury sport' timepieces, and with it came a new design language which inspired countless other manufactures. What's particularly delightful about the design of the Royal Oak is that it works brilliantly in a number of sizes and casing materials, from steel to carbon fiber or rose gold. The particular model that we have here however, a Reference 15466BC, is no ordinary Royal Oak. This piece comes in at 37mm in diameter and features a solid 18K white gold construction with a 'hammered' finishing throughout the surface, allowing the polished bevels and exposed screws to really pop. Inside, Audemars Piguet's Calibre 3132 automatic winding movement is paired with a luminous rose gold handset to match the outer chapter ring with applied luminous rose gold indices — all of which is on display and visible at virtually any angle via the openworked dial and sapphire exhibition caseback. With its 'frosted', almost 'iced-out' appearance, fully exposed movement, and limited production, this is a very special Royal Oak indeed. Try it on the wrist once, and you'll have a tough time taking it off — don't say we didn't warn you!