Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 15407ST
About This Watch
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 15407ST is a mesmerizing display of haute horlogerie engineering within the Royal Oak's iconic case. The caliber 3132 features two balance wheels connected by a differential gear system, which averages the rate of both regulators to achieve greater precision and stability. This double balance wheel is visible at 6 and 12 o'clock, beating in hypnotic synchronization. The entire movement is openworked, meaning the bridges and plates have been reduced to the bare mechanical minimum, revealing every gear, wheel, and spring. Each remaining surface is meticulously hand-finished with Geneva stripes, beveled edges, and satin brushing, a process that takes significantly longer than finishing a standard movement because every surface is visible. The result is a three-dimensional mechanical sculpture visible through both the dial side and the sapphire caseback. In stainless steel, this haute horlogerie complication becomes surprisingly accessible compared to the gold and platinum variants. The 41mm case maintains the familiar Royal Oak proportions, meaning this extraordinary mechanical art comes in a package suitable for daily wear. It represents the perfect intersection of haute horlogerie and modern sports watch design.
In-Depth Review
Audemars Piguet's commitment to haute horlogerie reaches rarified heights with the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, a timepiece that strips away convention to expose the mechanical poetry beneath. The skeleton dial reveals the intricate architecture of the proprietary AP 3132 caliber, while the dual balance wheel system—a complication typically reserved for chronographs—demonstrates technical sophistication that transcends mere decoration. With 65 hours of power reserve and a robust 21,600 vph frequency, this stainless steel instrument performs as impressively as it appears. The octagonal bezel with exposed screws remains the Royal Oak's unmistakable calling card, while the integrated bracelet's integrated construction reinforces the watch's monolithic presence on the wrist.
This is a collector's watch designed for those who have already mastered the fundamentals of mechanical horology. The ideal owner understands that skeleton watches demand appreciation rather than daily abuse, yet the 50-meter water resistance and stainless steel construction suggest genuine wearability alongside investment-grade provenance. It serves those who view haute horlogerie as an intersection of engineering and art, where visibility into the movement's complexity justifies its premium positioning.
At $68,100 retail, competing alternatives include the Patek Philippe Nautilus Skeleton and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Squelette. While each represents exceptional craftsmanship, the AP's dual balance wheel system and legendary caliber reputation establish it as the most technically ambitious proposition in this ultra-luxury segment, commanding secondary market premiums that reflect its desirability among serious collectors.
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | AP 3132 |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Jewels | 38 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 41.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 10.4mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Fixed, octagonal with exposed screws |
| Dial Color | Openworked (Skeleton) |
| Lug-to-Lug | 47.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 50m / 164ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless Steel integrated bracelet |
| Clasp | AP folding clasp |
| Weight | 145g |
| Complications |