{"id":2061828,"date":"2025-10-01T11:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2061828"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:06:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T11:06:00","slug":"ap-reimagines-the-chronograph-with-the-royal-oak-jumbo-chronograph-rd5-incl-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/ap-reimagines-the-chronograph-with-the-royal-oak-jumbo-chronograph-rd5-incl-video\/","title":{"rendered":"AP Reimagines the Chronograph, with the Royal Oak Jumbo Chronograph RD#5 (Incl. Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The chronograph<\/a> is undoubtedly one of the most, if not the most, popular complications among watch enthusiasts. However, few people realise that this mechanism is one of the most complex in watchmaking. Most chronographs operate on the same fundamental principles. However, with the Royal Oak Jumbo Chronograph RD#5, Audemars Piguet<\/a> dares to challenge conventions that have stood unshaken for decades\u2026 \u201cTo break the rules, you must first master them\u201d, was once the brand\u2019s motto. And it is exactly what this new RD#5 is all about.<\/b><\/p>\n

The Audemars Piguet RD# Series<\/h2>\n

As its name suggests, this new Royal Oak RD#5 is the latest opus of a very special saga, the Audemars Piguet RD series. With this collection of cutting-edge concept watches, AP experiments with advanced materials, radical engineering, and new horological complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 2015 Royal Oak Concept RD#1 Acoustic Research Minute Repeater, which introduced the SuperSonnerie concept<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2015, the Royal Oak Concept RD#1<\/a> focused on acoustic innovation with the SupersSonnerie concept. In 2018, with the Royal Oak RD#2 Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin<\/a>, the brand re-engineered the perpetual calendar into a single-layer complication. In 2022, the Royal Oak RD#3<\/a> fitted a flying Tourbillon and an increased amplitude oscillator in the RO Jumbo proportions. In 2023, the Audemars Piguet\u00a0Universelle RD#4<\/a> combined 40 functions, including 23 complications and 17 technical devices.<\/p>\n

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Above: The Royal Oak RD#2 and its extra-thin, single-layer perpetual calendar movement \u2013 Below: The Royal Oak RD#3 Flying Tourbillon and the Code 11.59 Universelle RD#4<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These RD concepts are mechanical testbeds that shape AP\u2019s future watchmaking. Today, as the brand celebrates its 150th<\/sup> anniversary, it unveils a fascinating take on the chronograph that is, once again, packed with innovations and breaking conventions.<\/p>\n

The Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Chronograph RD#5<\/h2>\n

The Royal Oak Jumbo Flying Tourbillon Chronograph Automatic Extra-thin RD#5 combines a flying tourbillon regulator and a flyback chronograph into the current Royal Oak Jumbo 16202ST proportions<\/a>, without altering thickness or silhouette (39mmx 8.1mm). It is crafted from titanium and innovative Bulk Metallic Glass to offer a balance of lightness, durability and brilliance. The watch is simply superb, and thanks to its finesse and lightweight materials, it is supremely comfortable. That\u2019s already a feat, but there is more. Primarily, this new reference, 26545XT, rewrites the interface of a chronograph for enhanced and natural interaction. And it also comes with a new coupling mechanism.<\/p>\n

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As explained in the AP chronicles, Bulk Metallic Glass<\/a> (BMG) is a remarkable material that combines extreme hardness with surprising elasticity. Unlike traditional metals, its unique properties depend less on the alloy composition than on the way it is manufactured. In the 1960s, researchers discovered that rapidly cooling molten metal prevented its atoms from arranging into their usual crystalline structure. Instead, they \u201cfroze\u201d in a disordered state, similar to the structure of glass. The result was a metal with an amorphous, glass-like internal architecture \u2013 hence the name.<\/p>\n

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For watchmaking, BMG offers major advantages: its surface is so hard that it is nearly scratch-proof, and its elasticity allows cases to absorb minor shocks and instantly recover their shape. First introduced in watchmaking by Omega or Panerai, BMG has since evolved into different variations. In 2021, Audemars Piguet pioneered the first BMG alloy based on precious metals. Enriched with palladium, this version offers exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion, along with a distinctive brilliance. While visually similar to platinum, it is both lighter and stronger.<\/p>\n

The technical details<\/h2>\n

\u201cFrom the outset, the #RD5 project was led by a desire to create a chronograph that offers an elevated level of comfort. Its development was guided by a comprehensive ergonomic study \u2013 encompassing the movement, case and design \u2013 to identify user expectations and create tailored solutions to meet them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The set of functional specifications that was given to the Audemars Piguet R&D team was to offer unprecedented ergonomics, user experience, and interaction:<\/p>\n