Smartly offered in blue, the new 16202 model offers the same exquisite case and historic elements as the releases from last year, but with a dial that’s sure to garner some excitement.The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Replica features a brand-new grained blue dial, apparently taking its inspiration from a special dial offered in 1992 in a platinum Royal Oak 14802. Protected by a flat sapphire crystal, the dial offers a very fine-grained texture, resembling asphalt in the close-up photos provided by the brand.
The blue hue is obtained with PVD, which is then covered in a translucent coating to highlight the texturing. Pleasingly, the brand has matched the 3 o’clock date window, keeping everything on the dial white and blue. One of the best things about the AAA Audemars Piguet Replica Extra-Thin is how it employs the same applied indices and handset—here in white gold and with luminescent fill—as did early Royal Oaks, with the slim, rounded batons offering a simpler and less dramatic style than those of the 15500.
The white gold case is the same exceptional Royal Oak design that started it all. The porthole bezel is brushed with a polished bezel, and the iconic eight screws are aligned perfectly. Note that this is the only current white gold case that isn’t otherwise adorned or part of a complicated Audemars Piguet Replica Watches. The case is finished to match, with the well-defined brushing that flows seamlessly into the integrated bracelet, all with polished bevels.
In any case, the watch maintains the collection’s 50m water resistance. The bracelet, of course, is closed with a folding clasp. The Best Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Replica models come in a 39mm case that measures a scant 8.1mm-thick. The original RO from 1972 was the same diameter but 7mm thick—I’m willing to forgive the added 1.1mm in exchange for being able to see a stunning modern movement through a sapphire caseback.
The movement is one of the newest in Swiss Audemars Piguet Replica stable, the automatic 7121, which debuted last year in the 50th anniversary 16202s.The oscillating weight has ball bearings that utilize two in-house reversers for bidirectional winding, the date wheel features a quick-set function, and the balance wheel has inertia blocks to help with shock-proofing. Functionally, the movement operates at 28,800 vph and achieves a power reserve of 55 hours.
While it may fall short of the stunning new blue dimpled dial RO tourbillon and, at a glance, may be accused of trying to trick people into an aventurine vibe, everyone knows a limited-edition blue luxury Audemars Piguet Replica watch will sell like hotcakes.
