White and black magic at the height of horlogerie. This complication combination entirely encased in white or black ceramic: pushpieces, crown, pushpiece guards and case. A high-tech, metal look for the new Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication, but so much harder.
The new 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complications feature ceramic pushpieces and crowns, pushpiece guards, cases, and casebacks. A high-tech, metal look ...
Black ceramic is reinforced with yttrium oxide, making it seven times harder than steel. White ceramic on the other hand is reinforced with aluminium oxide which gives it a high gloss finish and makes it even harder than black ceramic and nine times harder than steel.
Working with ceramics is challenging, calling for infinite skill and patience. But it repays the effort with a virtually scratch-proof finish that withstands high temperatures, thermal shocks – and the passing years.
Audemars Piguet’s use of ceramics ranges from telling highlights in pushpieces, crown or bezel to the full treatment of case, caseback and bracelet. However much ceramic is used in an individual watch, it is all hand-crafted. And the range of colours continues to expand ...
Like the first Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication launched un 2013, the 2018 ceramic version houses the mechanical self-winding movement Caliber 2885, which beats at 19,800 vph and has a 45-hour power reserve. It powers the hour, minute, small seconds, minute repeater, perpetual calendar and split-second chronograph functions.
