07 April 2026

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra Thin Openworked 26511PT

BY EMILE KUKLYTE

There are moments in watchmaking when a manufacturer does not simply introduce a new reference but quietly demonstrates the full extent of its capabilities. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra Thin Openworked 26511PTv belongs firmly to that category. Created in 2012 to mark forty years of the Royal Oak, it is far more than an anniversary piece. It is a study in balance, bringing together ultra thin watchmaking, a tourbillon regulator, and a fully openworked architecture within one of the most recognisable designs ever created. Limited to just forty examples worldwide, the example now at Onaro, Number 2 of 40, carries a unique significance we will explore shortly, marking it as undeniably one of the most technically complete Royal Oaks ever produced.

The Gérald Genta Heritage

When the Royal Oak first appeared in 1972, it did more than challenge convention. It redefined it. Designed by Gérald Genta, its octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and integrated bracelet introduced a new architectural language to watchmaking. It was bold, deliberate, and entirely unexpected, yet finished with a level of care usually reserved for precious metal dress watches. That contrast between industrial design and refined execution still defines the Royal Oak today. In this limited edition platinum reference, it is pushed further than most.

Masterpiece in 950 Platinum

For its fortieth anniversary, Audemars Piguet chose not to revisit the past but to demonstrate what the Royal Oak had become. The result is this openworked tourbillon, executed entirely in 950 platinum. The choice of material is significant. Platinum is not only rarer than gold or steel but far more demanding to finish. It resists polishing and requires greater control to achieve the sharp transitions between satin brushing and mirror polished bevels that define the Royal Oak case and bracelet. The result is a watch with a distinct presence on the wrist that is substantial in weight yet restrained in appearance.

The Calibre 2924 SQ

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the watch reveals its true complexity. In lieu of a traditional dial, the watch celebrates the architecture of the hand finished openworked Calibre 2924 SQ. Comprising over two hundred components and measuring just 4.46 mm in thickness, it remains one of the thinnest tourbillon movements of its kind.

The movement has been extensively skeletonised with bridges cut away to expose the underlying mechanics while maintaining structural integrity. Each edge is hand bevelled and each surface is finished with meticulous care. This creates a layered depth that shifts with light and angle. At six o’clock, the tourbillon anchors the watch both visually and mechanically. Rotating once per minute, it houses the regulating system within a constantly moving cage. Here it serves not only a technical function but a visual one. The slow and continuous rotation introduces a sense of rhythm that draws the eye without overwhelming the overall composition.

A Rare Opportunity to Own a Legend: Why Number 2 Matters

What distinguishes the reference 26511PT is not just the presence of these elements but how they coexist. Ultra thin construction, skeletonisation, and a tourbillon are each demanding in their own right. Combined within a single movement, they become something far rarer. The watch remains perfectly balanced with an overall case thickness of just 8.85 mm. This preserves the effortless wearability that has always defined the Royal Oak.

What further elevates this particular example is its place within that extremely limited series. Numbered 2 of just 40 pieces, it sits at the very beginning of the production run. The first example, Number 1, remains preserved within the Audemars Piguet Museum. It is held as part of the brand’s own historical collection and was never intended to leave it.

That context places this watch in a unique position. It is not simply one of forty but the first to have been released beyond the manufacturer itself. In many ways, it represents the true starting point of the series in the hands of a collector. It carries a direct link to the moment this reference was first introduced to the world.

The Gravity of Early Production Numbers

Within limited productions, early numbers often hold a quiet significance. They reflect proximity to the original concept and the first execution where design and craftsmanship transition from the atelier into private ownership. In a watch already defined by its technical ambition and rarity, this detail adds another layer of meaning. It is a detail that is not immediately visible but is deeply understood by those who look closely.

With only forty pieces ever produced, most examples were delivered directly to long standing collectors and have remained in private collections since. As a result, this rare platinum Audemars Piguet appears only occasionally on the market. It is recognised globally as one of the most important Royal Oak anniversary editions of its era.

While these pieces are typically held for decades, the exceptional Number 2 of 40 has arrived at Onaro.

Whether you are a dedicated collector or simply seeking a timepiece that represents the absolute pinnacle of the craft, this is a rare chance to experience a watch where design, material, and movement come together without compromise.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra Thin Openworked 26511PT

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