SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

For this limited edition, the new motif has been created in a deep blue shade using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), a technique that preserves and enhances the depth of the pattern, while maximising the play of light. The textured dial is complemented by subdials in a matching blue PVD colour that display the day at 9 o’clock, the month and leap year at 12 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock. To provide visual contrast, the calendar indications are printed in white on the blue outer zones of the subdials, while the weeks appear in white on the dial’s blue outer ring. Similarly, the 18-carat white gold hour-markers and hands stand out against the blue background, their luminescent material making them even more visible in dim light. To enhance legibility and aesthetic harmony, John Mayer has brought subtle modifications to the perpetual calendar display that only become apparent on closer inspection. While the number “31” of the date subdial is usually red on modern Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar models, it is now printed in white. Also, the two numerals of the “31” are now smaller in size and slightly stepped to distinguish them from the adjacent “1”. In addition, John Mayer chose a light blue colour for the week indicator that “could fall back into the dial when simply reading the time but easily be found when looking to read the week complication,” as he explains. The laser-microstructured moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock, which is set against an aventurine background, completes the dial’s overall design. For the first time, the “Swiss Made” inscription is printed in white at the bottom of the moon phase subdial rather than on the dial’s outer edge at 6 o’clock – another subtle visual distinction only noticeable on closer look. The refined dial is framed in 18-carat white gold, a precious material prized by collectors. The case and bracelet are both meticulously finished with the Manufacture’s alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfers. The polished bevels on the bezel and bracelet links enhance the play of light created by the Royal Oak’s multifaceted architecture. Lastly, the white gold frame of the sapphire caseback is engraved with “Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel” and “Limited Edition of 200 Pieces.” Audemars Piguet is committed to evolving its calibres, combining age-old skills with cutting-edge techniques. Following this mindset, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition is the last limited edition equipped with the selfwinding perpetual calendar movement, Calibre 5134, bringing down the curtain on a history that began in 1978. 202 | Simply Abu Dhabi