By Jovan Krstevski
We all know the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak first introduced in 1972 as a pioneering luxury sports watch. It’s a familiar watch with its classic octagonal shape, screwed bezel, and chain-like bracelet. It also features an extra-thin automatic movement with a nicely adorned guilloched blue dial. This same design is unchanged on AP’s entry to the SIHH 2018 with the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP. It is fully titanium outside and with a pleasant smoked blue dial on the watch face.
Long story short, the creation of the 1972 Royal Oak still serves as the very first example of a luxury-sports watch, everybody loves a pioneer specially the devoted fans and collectors. In line with this, the Ref. 15202 is perhaps the closest iteration to the iconic Royal Oak. It utilizes the same 39mm case seen on the 1972 version and inside it is a modified time-and-date extra-thin movement certainly refreshed on some level to integrate new technology however, if we really look closer, it remains true to its original architecture seen on the 1972 model. We can even see the same “Petite Tapisserie” guilloche pattern on the dial together with the integrated bracelet.
Having said the above, the new watch feels familiar indeed. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP looks to be on the same level as the original steel ST model albeit with some refreshed look. We also like that the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP’s greatest features is its case and bracelet made in high grade titanium giving the watch a lightweight and robust feel. Adding to this impressive specs is the solid 950 platinum bezel and the platinum links found in the bracelet. Interestingly, this makes a visual change since the original steel model is mostly brushed and also on a positive note, titanium feels different on the skin than steel thanks to its low density.
Another notable update to the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP is seen on its dial. The time-and-date display minus the second hand looks splendid presented with white gold hands and applied markers. The “Petite Tapisserie” guilloche pattern looks the same to the 15202ST model except its smoked blue tone. We like the depth of the dial, its edges appear darker while the center remains brighter. Under a bright light, this pretty much showcases a playful tone particularly with shades of blue.
Powering the titanium Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP is the same calibre 2121, just a modified JLC movement used in the 1972 Royal Oak 5402. It remains far ahead of its time, at a staggering 3.05mm thickness. It is fitted with a central rotor for the automatic winding which is visible through the caseback. The finely decorated movement beats at 2.75Hz with an output of 40 hours of power reserve.
We’d like to see this piece live after the SIHH 2018 and as of this writing, price is not yet announced. audemarspiguet.com
