The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked reference 26735SG.OO.1320SG.01 is a 41mm luxury timepiece distinguished by its construction in sand gold, a proprietary 18-carat alloy of gold, copper, and palladium. This material offers a unique hue that shifts between white and pink gold depending on lighting conditions, providing a warm, iridescent aesthetic. The octagonal case measures 10.6mm in thickness and features a screw-down crown and sapphire crystal, ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters. It is paired with an integrated sand gold bracelet utilizing an AP folding clasp.
The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 2972, a self-winding movement composed of 271 parts with a power reserve of 65 hours. Its primary complication is a flying tourbillon located at the 6 o’clock position, which is supported from below to offer an unobstructed view of its rotation. The multi-layered skeleton dial showcases intricate openworking with sand-gold-toned and rhodium-finished components, complemented by white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands treated with luminescent coating for enhanced legibility.
General reviews emphasize the technical mastery of the openworked movement and the innovative nature of the sand gold alloy, which enthusiasts describe as a subtle and sophisticated alternative to traditional gold tones. The architectural symmetry of the Calibre 2972 is frequently praised for being designed specifically for skeletonization, rather than being a modified solid movement. While some critics note that the monochromatic palette can occasionally impact legibility, the watch is widely regarded as a pinnacle of modern horology that reinforces the brand’s position in material innovation.