Audemars Piguet’s RD-series has always been about pushing boundaries, but the new Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 is just amazing. Limited to just 150 pieces, this 39 mm Royal Oak combines a flying tourbillon with an entirely re-engineered chronograph, all within a case that is only 8.1 mm thick.
The all new Caliber 8100, extreme innovation in just 4mm
The most important part is the brand-new Calibre 8100: 31.4 mm wide and just 4 mm high. If you’ve ever repaired or opened a watch like me, you’ll know how small this is – and then to integrate a flying tourbillon, one of the most complicated mechanisms in watchmaking, is just insane. The chronograph is just as innovative: instead of the traditional hammer-and-heart reset, AP developed a rack-and-pinion zero-reset system. As the central seconds hand rotates, energy is stored and later released to drive the minute counter. It’s a clever solution that helps explain how this complication fits into such a slim package.
The pushers are another innovation. They are a lot slimmer and easier to press in comparison to ‘older’ chronos. AP engineered a short-travel, low-force pusher that feels more like pressing a modern phone button than a mechanical lever. It makes operating the chronograph not only precise but genuinely enjoyable.
Materials, Proportions and Price
The case blends titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass, with details like titanium chronograph hands, white gold hour and minute hands, and AP’s larger logo reserved for the 150 years anniversary. The crown is particularly interesting: instead of pulling it in and out, you press the central selector, with a red indicator to show its function – a small but satisfying innovation. If you have ever tried fumbling around with small watch crowns you know how annoying it can be to find the correct position between winding and all the other settings.
For me the 39 mm ‘Jumbo’ is the perfect Royal Oak proportion. The 41 mm chrono is too large for my wrist, while the 38 mm fits beautifully. I was always hoping for an innovation like this, since combining the Jumbo case with this new movement at 39 mm feels ideal. In my opinion, titanium also elevates wearing comfort — I once tried the Royal Oak Supersonnerie in titanium, and the bracelet felt softer and more refined on the skin than steel; like a very expensive hug for your wrist.
Apparently, AP is asking CHF 260,000 before VAT. Certainly not for everyone, but considering the innovation, materials and history, it feels less like a watch and more like a statement of what’s possible in modern high horology.
In short, the Royal Oak Jumbo RD#5 is not just another limited edition — it’s a technical and aesthetic triumph. If I had to choose a single modern Royal Oak, this would be very high on the list (if I had the money).
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