Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra‑Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon – Ref. 26670ST.OO.1240ST.02
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra‑Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon (Ref. 26670ST.OO.1240ST.02) marks a historic milestone in AP’s iconic Royal Oak collection. In 2023, the maison unveiled its first “Jumbo” 39 mm Royal Oak featuring a self‑winding flying tourbillon, powered by the brand‑new ultra‑thin Calibre 2968—just 3.4 mm thick. This groundbreaking blend of classic design and advanced complication reaffirms AP’s leadership in haute horlogerie.
Case Dimensions
- Material: Precision‑crafted in stainless steel, this 39 mm octagonal case measures an elegant 8.1 mm in thickness—maintaining the slender footprint of the original “Jumbo” design. Sapphire crystals front and back with anti‑glare treatment ensure exceptional clarity and resilience.
- Water Resistance: Rated to 50 meters, combining sporty durability with refined aesthetics.
Dial Hands
Encased beneath glare‑proofed sapphire, the deep blue “Petite Tapisserie” dial serves as a rich backdrop to the applied white-gold hour markers and luminescent Royal Oak hands. Positioned at 6 o’clock is the refined flying tourbillon—its open aperture accentuating the dynamic nature of this ultra-thin automatic calibre.
Movement: Calibre 2968
- Ultra-Thin Architecture: The in-house automatic Calibre 2968 measures only 3.4 mm thick—an engineering marvel that powers the tourbillon while respecting the classic Royal Oak proportions.
- Performance: Operating at 3 Hz (21,600 vph), equipped with 30 jewels, and comprising 226 components, it offers a robust 50-hour power reserve—a testament to refined mechanical efficiency.
- Innovation: This calibre represents the RD#3 challenge—integrating self-winding capability with a flying tourbillon in a form factor traditionally reserved for manual-wind movements—a world-first in the Jumbo format.
Unique Characteristics
Ref. 26670ST combines three hallmarks of Audemars Piguet mastery: the elegant proportions of the 39 mm Jumbo, the technical wonder of a self-winding flying tourbillon, and the mechanical advancement of the ultra-thin Calibre 2968. The familiar “Petite Tapisserie” dial and stainless-steel case uphold the iconic Royal Oak DNA while showcasing an avant-garde complication that redefines the category.
Technical Specifications
- Reference: 26670ST.OO.1240ST.02
- Case: Stainless steel; 39 mm × 8.1 mm; 50 m WR
- Dial: Blue Petite Tapisserie with white-gold hands and indices
- Movement: Calibre 2968, automatic flying tourbillon; 3 Hz; ~50 h PR
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, flying tourbillon
Collector Appeal
Since its debut, the Ref. 26670ST has captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike, representing the first time AP has introduced a self-winding flying tourbillon within its classic Jumbo design. The combination of legendary style, innovative movement architecture, and functional practicality places this watch at the pinnacle of modern luxury watchmaking.
Conclusion 26670ST.OO.1240ST.02
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Ref. 26670ST.OO.1240ST.02 is more than an evolution—it is a revolution. By harmonizing the ultra-thin Calibre 2968 and RD#3 self-winding tourbillon with the timeless 39 mm Royal Oak silhouette, AP has created a timepiece that is both technically groundbreaking and unabashedly elegant—ideal for connoisseurs who demand heritage, innovation, and prestige in one masterful package.
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