Introducing: New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked And Malachite-Dial Models

I vividly remember visiting the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), the predecessor of Watches and Wonders, in Geneva in 2010. Alongside Richard Mille, Richemont Group brands, and a few others, Audemars Piguet showcased its latest creations. That year, the Royal Oak Openworked ref. 15305 stood out to me. It was based on the then-popular “standard” 15300 with its 3120 movement.

New Royal Oak additions in different sizes

Following that, the 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” received skeletonized editions in 2012 and 2014, and the 41mm Royal Oak Openworked in 2016 featured a Double Balance Wheel movement.

This year, Audemars Piguet showed its new Royal Oak Openworked models in 37mm and 39mm sizes during the brand’s annual Social Club event, which one of us attends each year. And besides the Royal Oak Openworked models, there are two versions of a Royal Oak with a malachite dial. Available in 37mm and 41mm cases, they follow the 2023 introduction of the Royal Oaks with turquoise stone dials.

Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ref. 15467BA.OO.1256BA.01

But first things first; let’s zoom in on the new AP Royal Oak Openworked models. The smaller of the two, with a 37mm diameter, is crafted from 18K yellow gold and features AP’s 3132 movement. This caliber uses a double-wheel balance mechanism, as introduced in the 2016 Royal Oak Openworked mentioned above. The 3132 movement provides a 45-hour power reserve and ticks at 4 Hz (28,800 vph). The retail price of the Royal Oak ref. 15467BA.OO.1256BA.01 is €93,800.

The ton-sur-ton look often results in poor readability, especially with a skeletonized movement.  But along with the bolts in the octagonal bezel, the hour markers and hands contrast with the yellow gold. AP’s 37mm Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ref. 15467BA.OO.1256BA.01 has a 10mm profile and a 50m water resistance rating.

Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked ref. 16204XT.OO.1240XT.01

For fans of the traditional RO size, there’s the 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked powered by AP’s rhodium-plated caliber 7124. This 8.1mm-thin watch is made of titanium, but its octagonal bezel and the bracelet’s studs are made of BMG (Bulk Metallic Glass). For those unfamiliar with this, it’s a metal alloy with high strength and corrosion resistance. This scratch-resistant material is perfect for use on the bezel and bracelet parts, as they would otherwise show the most wear. BMG is not unique to AP; other brands (Panerai, for example) have also been using this metal alloy.

The movement is based on the 7121, the successor to the iconic 2121 that powered the Royal Oak “Jumbo” for its first 50 years. This titanium watch also comes with a screw-locked crown and a 50m water resistance rating. The retail price of the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked ref. 16204XT.OO.1240XT.01 is available on request.

Royal Oak Selfwinding variants with malachite dials

Two other new watches that will stand out in the catalog are these 37mm and 41mm malachite-dial models. Malachite and 18K yellow gold have been a popular combination for many decades, and AP has also used it in its more sculptural designs. Malachite has also appeared in Royal Oak models before, like a quartz ladies’ RO and in only five Royal Oak Tourbillon pieces, one of which went to Jay-Z.

In 2026, the malachite stone dial finds its way into the regular catalog for the 37mm and 41mm self-winding Royal Oaks.

Royal Oak Selfwinding ref. 15513BA.OO.1320.01

AP’s caliber 4309 powers the new 41mm Royal Oak with a green malachite dial. This movement offers a 70-hour power reserve and is visible through the case back’s sapphire display. The 18K yellow gold case has a 10.5mm profile, and on the polished malachite dial, you’ll see the 18K gold applied hour markers and hands. This Royal Oak Selfwinding ref. 15513BA.OO.1320.01 has a retail price of €74,600.

37mm Royal Oak Selfwinding ref. 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04

AP’s smaller version of the malachite-dial Royal Oak is not necessarily aimed at women. However, it will probably fit most women’s wrists perfectly. The 37mm case has a 9.3mm profile and houses the caliber 5909. This self-winding movement offers a 60-hour power reserve.

Both malachite-dial Royal Oak models have a 50m water resistance rating. The retail price of the Royal Oak ref. 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04 is €69,000.

Case back of the Royal Oak Selfwinding ref. 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04

Some thoughts

Audemars Piguet didn’t disappoint with these new Royal Oak models. I am a sucker for gold and malachite, but my absolute favorite remains the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked. The Royal Oak “Jumbo” has the classic dimensions, and by using materials like titanium and BMG, combined with the openworked 7124 movement, it’s a very welcome addition to the “Jumbo” line. For collectors, I can imagine this will be the one to have.