Audemars Piguet Unveils the All-New 16202 - Four New Royal Oaks, and Discontinues the 15202 and 2121 Movement

It’s been a relatively busy year for Audemars Piguet. We saw a pretty intense revamp of the more interesting offshores recently, as well as the release of a unique “Supersonnerie” late last year. We’ve learned now, that the anticipation for the 50 year Anniversary of the Royal Oak has finally paid off. To celebrate, the brand has released a slew of new watches into the Royal Oak lineup. While we will follow up subsequently with the rest of the watches released, this article will focus on the four new watches introduced to the “Jumbo” Thin Royal Oak Collection.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Audemars Piguet

Model: Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin (Ref. 16202)

Case Material: Steel, Yellow Gold, Red Gold, and Platinum

Case Size: 39mm

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Crystal: Sapphire Crystal

Movement:  All-New AP Calibre 7121

Movement Specs: Automatic, 55-Hour Power Reserve

Strap Options: Bracelet in matching Material

THE JUICE:

As stated above, the new collection marks the 50th year Anniversary of the Royal Oak. This new collection doesn’t come at the behest of “something gone”. With it, we will see the retirement of the 15202 models of the Royal Oak - 2002’s more contemporary take on the iconic design. The 16202 models are a bit thicker, a bit smaller, and feature an all new 7121 movement inside.

There are four new models to gaulk at. The first, is the more traditional Royal Oak. It’s steel, with the “Blue Nuit” Dial (ref. 6202ST.OO.1240ST.01). The second is a pink gold with a grey dial (ref. 16202OR.OO.1240OR.01). The third is in yellow gold with a gold dial (16202BA.OO.1240BA.01). The final release into the 50th Anniversary collection is a Platinum case with irish green dial (ref. 6202PT.OO.1240PT.01)

All models feature a 39mm case, and feature, for the first time since the 70’s, and all new movement.

A look at the 7121.

Inside the watch is an all-new movement from Audemars Piguet. Gone is the 2121 movement, and in it’s stead is the 7121. Practically speaking, the movement is an improvement upon it’s older brother. The movement features a 55-hour power reserve instead of the 40-hour of the 2121. The movement will now beat at 4-Hz instead of 2.75-Hz. And, to enthusiast delight everywhere, a quick-set date. Finally.

Additionally, the movement has been finished a bit differently, and in theory keep better time due to the higher frequency. Also included in the movement is a solid 22-karat gold rotor with a 50 Year Anniversary logo in the middle of the skelotonized component.

The 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak is a big milestone from a design standpoint. Audemars Piguet has slimmed down, and sized down it’s major selling point, and for me anyway, it’s a big win for the brand. It keeps the watch contemprary and provides some cool new guys with updated specs. I’ll be interested to see what the market does with these at retail, and also what happens with the 16202 on the grey market.

Audemars Piguet has moved the needle a bit more with their new releases. There was something like over 20 watches released today, so keep an eye out for new articles on each.

For more information and opinion on the new Audemars Piguet Releases, check out our podcast at The Windup Merchants below: