Audemars Piguet Unveils Exceptional Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Chronograph: Celebrating 150 Years of Horological Excellence

In October 2025, Audemars Piguet unveiled its final timepiece in the Research and Development (RD) series coinciding with its 150th anniversary: the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5. Respecting the brand’s legacy, this exceptional model retains the classic Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ proportions, measuring 39 mm x 8.1 mm.

Constructed from lightweight titanium, the case exhibits a perfect blend of elegance and durability. The bezel, pushers, and bracelet links are meticulously crafted from Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), a robust, scratch-resistant palladium-based alloy, which underlines the brand’s commitment to refined aesthetics and top-notch quality.

Inside the watch lies the groundbreaking caliber 8100. This 3Hz automatic flyback chronograph features a flying tourbillon and uses an innovative rack-and-pinion system for the chronograph reset mechanism. This design replaces the conventional hammer-and-cam architecture, leading to reduced force for operating the pushers, thereby providing an exceptionally light and smooth clicking feel. The 44-jewel, 379-component, automatic chronograph movement, resembling a hand-wound movement, possesses a slim peripheral rotor that automatically powers the watch’s 72-hour power reserve.

The execution of this design facilitates its creators, Giulio Papi and his development team, to accommodate a flyback chronograph and flying tourbillon in a slim 31.4 mm x 4 mm space. The unique chronograph, sporting a column wheel and a redesigned vertical clutch system, features an ergonomic and precise reset/flyback function and offers an instantaneous chronograph minute change.

However, the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ Extra-Thin Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5 isn’t officially considered water-resistant, with a rating of just 20 meters. This collectible 150th-anniversary timepiece is restricted to a run of 150 individually numbered pieces and is obtainable exclusively in Audemars Piguet boutiques for approximately $325,000.