The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 reference 26660BC.ZZ.1356BC.01 is a 37mm luxury timepiece crafted from 18-carat white gold. This model is characterized by its remarkably slim profile, featuring a case thickness of only 8.1mm. The aesthetic is defined by a smoked blue dial with the signature Petite Tapisserie pattern, which transitions from a lighter center to a darker perimeter. The watch is further elevated by high-jewelry elements, including a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut diamonds and 12 baguette-cut diamond hour markers set against white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. A glareproofed sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback protect the intricate mechanics while allowing for a clear view of the movement.
The technical heart of this timepiece is the ultra-thin Calibre 2968, an in-house automatic movement that measures just 3.4mm in height. Its primary complication is a flying tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock, which is designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the movement’s accuracy while providing a captivating visual element on the dial. The movement operates at a frequency of 3Hz and offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Despite its delicate complications and jewelry setting, the watch maintains practical durability with a water resistance of 50 meters and is equipped with an integrated white gold bracelet featuring an AP folding clasp.
General reviews of the RD#3 collection emphasize its role as a major engineering milestone for Audemars Piguet, specifically for successfully housing a complex flying tourbillon within a smaller 37mm case diameter. Collectors often praise the model for its balanced proportions and the sophisticated execution of the smoked blue dial, which offers a modern twist on the classic Royal Oak design. While the addition of a tourbillon is often viewed as a “pointless” complication in terms of practical utility for a modern wristwatch, it is widely respected as a premier display of horological artistry and wealth. Some minor critiques note the high exclusivity and “price on request” status, which places the timepiece in the highest tier of luxury collecting.