Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Openworked Yellow Gold 16204BA

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 16204BA.OO.1240BA.01 transforms the classic 39mm Jumbo proportions into complete mechanical transparency. This yellow-gold openworked timepiece reveals the architecture of the Caliber 7124 movement through the sapphire crystal. The movement itself becomes the dial.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Openworked Yellow Gold 16204BA - Price on Request

Technical Specifications

The Caliber 7124 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, delivering approximately 57 hours of power reserve. The self-winding movement showcases Audemars Piguet's skeletonization mastery, where every bridge, gear, and jewel remains visible without creating visual clutter. The challenge of openworking lies in removing enough material to create transparency while preserving the structural strength needed for reliable timekeeping.

The caliber 7124 movement showcasing skeletonized bridges and intricate gear architecture

At 8.1mm thick, the case maintains the classic Jumbo profile despite the complex movement within. The 39mm yellow-gold case extends to approximately 47mm lug-to-lug, preserving the proportions that established the Jumbo designation when Gérald Genta first conceived the Royal Oak in 1972.

Side profile highlighting the 8.1mm case thickness and integrated bracelet construction

Openwork Design

The dial presents a yellow-gold-toned skeleton framework that creates architectural transparency. White-gold applied hour markers float above the mechanical landscape, paired with Royal Oak hands featuring luminescent coating. The interplay between positive and negative space generates depth that shifts with changing light conditions.

Dial detail revealing the geometric arrangement of bridges and openworked surfaces

Audemars Piguet's approach to openworking distinguishes itself through systematic precision. Each beveled edge receives hand-finishing, and the skeletonized rotor visible through the exhibition caseback continues the aesthetic language established on the dial side.

Exhibition caseback revealing Côtes de Genève decoration and openworked rotor

Wearability and Proportions

Weighing approximately 191 grams, this yellow-gold Royal Oak registers lighter than typical precious-metal sports watches of similar dimensions. The integrated bracelet construction distributes this weight across alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces, creating seamless case-to-clasp flow.

Wrist shot showcasing how the yellow gold bracelet conforms to the wrist

The 39mm diameter positions this reference between contemporary 41mm sport models and vintage 36mm dress proportions. For collectors seeking visual impact without excessive bulk, these measurements deliver noticeable wrist presence without dominating smaller wrists.

Integrated bracelet clasp detail showing polished and brushed finishing

The Royal Oak 16204BA presented in its original presentation box

Market Position

This reference targets collectors who prioritize visual complexity and mechanical artistry over additional functional complications. The openwork execution transforms time display into kinetic sculpture. Within the Royal Oak catalog, such pieces occupy specialized territory—appreciated by those who value watchmaking technique as the primary design goal.

Weight measurement on precision scale displaying 191 grams (0.42 lbs)

Audemars Piguet has built a strong reputation for openwork execution within the Royal Oak collection, producing numerous skeletonized variants over several decades. While other manufactures like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin also produce skeletonized watches, AP has made openwork a recurring theme specifically within the Royal Oak line. This reference 16204BA exemplifies that commitment, offering transparency that feels structural rather than decorative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Royal Oak Jumbo "Extra-Thin" significant?

The 8.1mm case thickness maintains the ultra-slim profile that defined the original 1972 Royal Oak reference 5402. This thinness requires specialized movement architecture, as the Caliber 7124 must accommodate automatic winding while remaining dimensionally constrained. The "Jumbo" designation refers to the 39mm diameter, which was considered large when introduced but now represents a moderate sports watch size.

How does openworking affect movement durability?

Skeletonized movements require identical service protocols to solid movements, typically every 3-5 years.

What is the Caliber 7124 based on?

Here, the Caliber 7124 is AP's skeletonized version of the ultra-thin automatic movement architecture. It maintains the same dimensional constraints as the solid-dial watches while adding extensive hand-finishing and decorative openworking to every visible surface.

Why does Audemars Piguet excel at openwork execution?

AP's approach balances mechanical exposure with legibility, ensuring time reading remains intuitive despite visual complexity. The brand's experience with the Royal Oak's integrated bracelet design informs how geometric patterns interact with the octagonal case shape. This institutional knowledge, accumulated over decades of producing skeletonized Royal Oak variants, creates cohesive designs where the openwork feels native to the watch.

What is the approximate retail price for the 16204BA?

Retail pricing for this yellow-gold openworked Royal Oak Jumbo typically falls in the $100,000 range, though secondary market prices vary based on availability and condition.

How does the 191-gram weight compare to other precious metal sports watches?

At 191 grams, the 16204BA occupies the middle of the precious-metal sports watch weight range. It weighs less than complication-heavy models like the Yellow-Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (255g) and Rose Gold Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990 Travel Time (250g), yet carries more presence than the slimmer Nautilus 5711 (172g). This balanced weight provides noticeable luxury without compromising wearability.