Somehow, information leaked ahead of SIHH 2017 – Audemars Piguet replica watches will be showcasing its first all-ceramic wristwatch (including bracelets) at the Geneva show, an all-black version of the iconic Perpetual Calendar Royal Oak. Not surprisingly, the news sparked immediate excitement from collectors because it was clear that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic was a hit. New reference 26579CE is the brand’s first all-ceramic (case and band) watch, with at least a strong look. Besides the modern black aesthetic, ceramics are one of the hardest materials used to make the case, but they are also lightweight and wear resistant.
Audemars Piguet’s stated goal is to make its ceramic case and chain the same standard as Royal Oak products. In any case, it’s not easy, only after 600 hours of research and development. It takes 30 hours to complete the bracelet alone, which is five times longer than the steel version. The result is visually stunning, one of the best ceramic bracelets I’ve ever seen. The structure of the bracelet is really impressive. For AAA Audemars Piguet Royal Oak replica, none of the links seem to be exactly the same size. This doesn’t make manufacturing easy, which further proves the brand’s uncompromising morality – especially when you know the many steps involved in making ceramic parts.
The dial uses a gray “grande tapisserie” pattern (traditional for this icon, made in-house) with white lettering, except red 31. Its clean layout shows dates, dates, months, leap years and phases. Everything is in proportion, in the right place. It also shows a week, which is a rather unusual but very practical feature, printed on the flange of the dial. The hour mark applied is platinum. The golden “baton” pointer has luminescent material. The moon phase is incredible, with extreme detail and a laser microstructure of the moon in a starry sky surrounded by Venus.
The fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is built around the 5134 movement, just like its steel or gold siblings. The ultra-thin (4.31mm) automatic core is 29.00mm in diameter and has 40 hours of power storage. Its balance has a variable inertia block and runs at a different vibration of 19’800 per hour. To improve the winding efficiency, the hollowed-out gold pendulum is guided by the outer ring on the four ruby tracks to reduce friction. The finish is top-notch, with Geneva stripes, round textures and superb slant. The astronomical moon needs to be corrected every 125 years and 317 days.
The luxury copy Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar watches is 41mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness, and it’s fantastic – remember, we’re talking about a sport watch with a complex movement and an impressive case with less than 10mm. This bracelet is very flexible and comfortable. It is both athletic and elegant. Timeless and modern, it’s sure to get some attention.