The 41 mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, reference 26735SG.OO.1320SG.01, puts two ideas at the center of the watch: a new 18-carat sand-gold alloy whose appearance shifts with the light, and an openworked movement that turns the flying tourbillon into part of a layered visual composition. The result is less about a conventional gold finish than the interplay between case, light and exposed mechanics.
What makes the sand-gold Royal Oak distinctive?
Audemars Piguet describes sand gold as a new 18-carat alloy and says this reference is the first timepiece made in the material. Its color can move between white- and pink-gold impressions depending on the angle and lighting. That is a description of how the alloy appears, not a measured color-changing effect.
In his April 5, 2024 hands-on report, Hodinkee writer Mark Kauzlarich described an unusually strong shift while photographing the watch: “But I’ve never experienced a color shift when shooting a watch as much as I have with Sand Gold.” It is a firsthand observation, rather than a laboratory measurement. Audemars Piguet’s product page identifies the reference and material.
How the openworked movement shapes the watch
Calibre 2972 and its flying tourbillon
The self-winding Calibre 2972 is the mechanical centerpiece. It combines an openworked construction with a flying tourbillon, a regulating mechanism presented without the usual upper bridge, leaving the tourbillon more visually exposed. Audemars Piguet says the calibre first appeared in 2022 for the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary.
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- STYLISH: This Armani Exchange watch features a gold sunray dial, gold-tone stainess steel bracelet, and chronograph movement
- CASE & MOVEMENT: A men's watch with a 44mm case, 22mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
- DIAL: These men's watches feature a stainless steel case with a gold dial
- WATCH BAND: Wrist watches for men with a gold-tone stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit
- WATER RESISTANT MENS WATCH: Up to 50m (165ft); Wearable while swimming in shallow water; 5 ATM
Rather than treating the dial as a solid surface over the movement, the openworked architecture exposes bridges and components at different depths. AP says the bridges and mainplate are pared back to let light pass through without impairing the movement’s function. The effect is a layered view: the eye can follow structural elements toward the tourbillon instead of seeing a single uninterrupted dial plane. AP explains the movement and alloy in “A new shade of Gold.”
Calibre and case specifications
| Specification | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Movement | Self-winding Calibre 2972 with flying tourbillon |
| Movement components | 271 |
| Jewels | 27 |
| Movement diameter | 31.50 mm |
| Movement thickness | 6.20 mm |
| Frequency | 21,600 vibrations per hour |
| Power reserve | 65 hours |
| Case diameter | 41 mm |
| Case thickness | 10.60 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
These specifications are listed by the Fondation Haute Horlogerie. Its 50 m water-resistance rating is a technical specification, not a reason to treat this high-value openworked watch as a practical choice for swimming or water sports.
Rank #2
- Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
- Quartz
- Japanese-quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft): in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving ;Functions Calibre 0520,
What are the price and availability?
Launch coverage in 2024 reported a price of CHF 250,000 before taxes. Hodinkee listed $270,000 in its report published April 5, 2024. These are launch-era reference points, not a verified current price or quote. The Fondation Haute Horlogerie page displays CHF 250,000 without stating when that figure was set; Audemars Piguet’s accessible US product page showed a dynamic price field without a populated amount. For current regional pricing and availability, consult an AP boutique or the official product page. The dated launch figures were reported by Hodinkee and Monochrome Watches.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is this Royal Oak for?
This reference is best understood as a statement piece built around material and movement rather than as a restrained take on the standard Royal Oak. Sand gold supplies a distinctive, light-sensitive case color; the openworked Calibre 2972 makes the mechanics visible; and the flying tourbillon adds a prominent complication. Its dimensions and water-resistance rating are published, but they do not by themselves establish how it will wear on a particular wrist or whether it suits a buyer’s daily routine.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Lexington update brings a refreshed, more modern take to one of our most iconic men’s silhouettes. A chronograph movement pairs with a bold case, signature slanted fluted topring, and a refined dial that feels sharp and contemporary. Finished in gold-tone stainless steel, it delivers confident, everyday polish.
- Case & Movement: 45mm case, 22mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
- Dial: Round gold stainless steel case, with a sunray gold dial.
- Watch Band: Gold durable stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit.
- Water Resistant: Up to 100m (330ft): Suitable for bathing, swimming or snorkeling, but is not resistant enough to withstand scuba diving; 10 ATM.
Rank #4
- GOLD-TONE CHRONOGRAPH DIAL WITH DATE WINDOW & ROMAN NUMERALS
- Features: CHRONOGRAPH STOPWATCH FEATURE with DATE FUNCTION window + Roman Numerals
- 44.5 MM CASE SIZE with DURABLE MINERAL CRYSTAL that protects watch from scratches
- STAINLESS STEEL POLISHED GOLD-TONE GOLD-TONE CASE
- STAINLESS STEEL POLISHED GOLD-TONE BRACELET WITH FOLD-OVER CLASP + DOUBLE PUSH-BUTTON CLOSURE
Rank #3
- Quartz Movement
- Case diameter: 44mm
- Mineral Crystal
- Stainless Steel case with Stainless-Steel band
- Water-resistant to 100 Meters / 330 Feet / 10 ATM
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
