The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin reference 26522ST.OO.1220ST.01 is a high-horology timepiece that combines the brand’s iconic sports watch silhouette with a sophisticated complication. It features a 41mm stainless steel case with a notably slim profile of 8.85mm to 9mm, maintaining the collection’s signature octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet with meticulously brushed and polished finishes. The watch is defined by its striking plum or purple dial, which showcases a “Tapisserie Evolutive” pattern that radiates outward from the tourbillon aperture at the 6 o’clock position. This sunburst guilloché design is complemented by white gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands, both treated with luminescent coating for legibility.
Technically, the watch is powered by the manufacture calibre 2924, a hand-wound movement consisting of 216 parts with a thickness of only 4.46mm. The primary complication is the tourbillon escapement, designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the movement’s accuracy. Additionally, the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, with an indicator visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. The watch offers a water resistance of 50 meters, making it suitable for light splashes but not for diving.
General reviews of this reference often emphasize its bold aesthetic departure from traditional Royal Oak designs, specifically praising the vibrant purple dial and the unique evolution of the Tapisserie pattern. Enthusiasts and critics appreciate the technical achievement of housing a complex tourbillon within such a thin case while maintaining the structural integrity and finishing quality expected of Audemars Piguet. While some may find the color choice polarizing, it is widely regarded as a successful modern interpretation of a classic, blending high-end craftsmanship with contemporary style. Minor criticisms typically focus on the manual winding requirement and the high market demand which makes the piece difficult to acquire.