Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked 26685XT

On 12 February 2026, Audemars Piguet unveiled several new perpetual calendar models, underlining the manufacture’s long standing commitment to this complication, first introduced to its collection in 1984. Among them, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked Ref. 26685XT.OO.1320XT.01 stands out for combining a skeletonised architecture with notable clarity of display.

Source: www.audemarspiguet.com

Case and Materials

The 41 mm case measures just 9.5 mm in height, giving the watch a notably balanced profile that appears slimmer than earlier openworked perpetual calendar executions within the Royal Oak line. The construction blends titanium with Bulk Metallic Glass. The latter is used for the bezel, caseback and bracelet studs. While the titanium surfaces are satin brushed, the Bulk Metallic Glass elements are mirror polished, creating a distinctive, almost liquid sheen.

The integrated bracelet, slimmer than on previous generations, enhances comfort and stability on the wrist. Its titanium base alternates between brushed and polished finishes. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres, reinforcing the watch’s practical credentials despite its technical complexity.

Dial Architecture and Legibility

Skeletonised dials often risk visual overload. In this instance, the use of a sapphire dial allows the calibre’s architecture to remain visible while preserving clarity. The calendar counters feature subtly darkened edges, creating a floating effect that visually separates the indications from the underlying bridges and wheels.

The layout follows a logical arrangement. At nine o’clock, the day of the week display incorporates a 24 hour indicator. The date is positioned at twelve o’clock, while the leap year indication sits at three. The moon phase display occupies the traditional position at six.

The week number is printed on the inner bezel and indicated by an additional central hand. The white on black contrast ensures straightforward legibility. The hour and minute hands are crafted in pink gold and filled with luminescent material, matched by pink gold hands for the subsidiary indications.

Calibre 7139

Powering the watch is the calibre 7139, a skeletonised evolution of calibre 7138. Based on the ultra thin calibre 7121 found in the Royal Oak Jumbo models, this movement integrates all perpetual calendar functions into a single layer construction measuring just 4.1 mm in thickness.

The balance oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and the movement delivers a power reserve of 55 hours.

Crown Operated Calendar System

A distinctive feature of this perpetual calendar is the ability to adjust all functions via the crown. The crown offers four positions. In its normal position it winds the movement. The intermediate setting allows calendar adjustments, with clockwise rotation correcting the date and counter clockwise rotation adjusting the month and leap year.

When fully extended, the crown sets the time. A dedicated correction position, reached by stepping back one increment from the fully extended setting, enables adjustment of the day and week number clockwise and the moon phase counter clockwise. A red sector on the 24 hour indicator marks the period during which calendar adjustments should not be performed.

Availability

The Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Openworked 26685XT is available exclusively through Audemars Piguet boutiques. Production is described as limited, with an approximate retail price of CHF 180,200 before taxes.