Audemars Piguet is no stranger to creating openworked timepieces. They have been leaders in this field for decades, with the first skeletonised Royal Oak pendant ref. 5710BA from 1981, followed by the launch of their first open-worked Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 14811 in 1992. Produced in small quantities with various designs, skeletonised Royal Oaks disappeared near the beginning of 2000 and resurfaced again in 2010, then in 2012, and later in 2014.

The Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openworked ref. 16204 was released in 2022 as part of the livery that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Adhering strongly to the design DNA of its predecessor, the present ref. 16204BA released in 2023 is fitted in a yellow gold classic Jumbo 39mm case. Audemars Piguet decided to stay true to the original overall aesthetic with a modern twist by putting its beating heart on display.

From a technical standpoint, the story is, however told differently. After 50 years of employing the JLC-based movement, the Royal Oak Jumbo models are finally equipped with new in-house movements that allow Audemars Piguet to flaunt their mechanical prowess. Revealed through its sapphire crystal, the automatic cal. 7124 within the present model is a modified version of the new cal. 7121 that powers its closed-dial sibling from the same release. As a time-only configuration, the movement is also extra thin and is finished to the highest degree in with white gold accents, creating a sublime contrast to the warm yellow gold case.

Although the ref. 16204BA is not a limited edition reference; it most likely will not be produced in high quantities. Complete with its warranty and presentation box, this Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openworked is an incredible timepiece worthy of admiration.