The new Royal Oak Extra-thin looks remarkably like the original from 1972, which was designed by Gérald Genta. For a start, the remake matches the size of the revered classic, at 39 millimetres, a diameter that seemed huge in 1972 but today is by no means a particularly large watch. Indeed, it was the first Royal Oak that helped develop the fashion for larger timepieces. In addition, the latest version has an extra-flat case, an unmistakable nod to the past. There is also the special blue colour of the dial – and in the latest model, the date disc, too – while the AP initials in white gold are again at their original 1972 position of 6 o’clock.

At the technical heart of the new ultra-thin Royal Oak beats the same movement as the original, the renowned, mechanical self-winding Calibre 2121, with a thickness of just 3.05mm. The rebirth of this classic is undoubtedly one of the most noteworthy models at the Geneva Salon this year.

Photo: Audemars Piguet