The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 26598BC.ZZ.1220BC.01 is a 41mm luxury timepiece that blends high horology with bold aesthetics. Crafted from 18-carat white gold, the case features a slim profile of 9.5mm and is distinguished by an octagonal bezel set with 32 baguette-cut diamonds. The watch is characterized by its vivid purple Grande Tapisserie dial, which includes matching purple subdials with white external zones for enhanced legibility. It is powered by the ultra-thin, self-winding caliber 5134 movement, which consists of 374 parts and offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
The timepiece features a comprehensive perpetual calendar complication that displays the day, date, week, month, leap year, and astronomical moon phase. Designed to remain accurate until the year 2100 if kept wound, the movement also maintains a frequency of 2.75 Hz. The watch is water-resistant to 20 meters and includes a glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback to reveal the intricate finishing of the movement and its 22-carat gold openworked rotor. For added versatility, this model is typically provided with an integrated white gold bracelet along with two additional rubber straps in black and purple.
General reviews of this reference emphasize its striking visual presence and the unique depth of its burgundy-toned purple dial. Collectors often highlight its status as a highly exclusive, boutique-only edition that successfully maintains the Royal Oak’s architectural DNA while introducing a modern, opulent color scheme. While the technical mastery of the ultra-thin perpetual calendar movement is widely praised, some critics note the relatively short power reserve compared to newer contemporary movements. Nevertheless, it is regarded as a significant collector’s piece that combines the elegance of white gold and diamonds with one of the most prestigious complications in watchmaking.