The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3, reference 26670ST.OO.1240ST.01, is a milestone 39mm luxury timepiece released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Constructed from stainless steel, it maintains the iconic Jumbo proportions with a remarkably slim profile of only 8.1mm in thickness. The watch features a “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” dial with the traditional Petite Tapisserie pattern, white gold applied hour markers, and luminescent hands. It is powered by the ultra-thin, self-winding Calibre 2968, which measures just 3.4mm thick and provides a 50-hour power reserve.
The primary complication is a flying tourbillon positioned at the 6 o’clock mark, which has been meticulously engineered to fit within the constrained height of the Extra-Thin case. This was achieved through a peripheral drive system and new balance wheel geometry that allows the tourbillon cage to sit level with the dial. The watch offers 50 meters of water resistance and is equipped with a sapphire crystal and a transparent caseback, which reveals the specialized 50th-anniversary openworked oscillating weight.
General reviews of the RD#3 highlight it as a paragon of discretion and technical achievement, successfully integrating a high-complication movement into the classic Jumbo form factor without compromising its legendary silhouette. Critics and enthusiasts alike praise the finishing, specifically the mix of traditional polished bevels and modern “traits tirés” on the bridges. While some purists note the absence of the AP logo at 6 o’clock to accommodate the tourbillon, the watch is widely regarded as an essential collector’s piece that perfectly balances the heritage of the 1972 original with contemporary horological innovation.