To mark its 150th anniversary, the watchmaker presents the RD#5, a watch inspired by the legendary Jumbo model, combining exceptional elegance and technical innovation in an iconic design.
A new milestone for a reimagined icon
According to Gear Patrol, Audemars Piguet is unveiling the RD#5 as “the” ultimate Royal Oak, designed to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025. The watch retains the classic proportions of the famous “Jumbo” Extra-Thin—39 mm in diameter and 8.1 mm thick—but boasts remarkable thinness for an automatic watch.
began in 1972, when Gérald Genta revolutionized the watchmaking industry with a sporty steel watch featuring an octagonal case and an integrated bracelet. According to the Audemars Piguet website, this model transformed steel into a precious material and redefined sporty luxury. Vogue notes that more than 500 different versions have followed, attesting to its extraordinary longevity.
What the Manufacture Says
Audemars Piguet explains that the RD#5 is clearly inspired by the “Jumbo” Extra-Thin, but that it also seeks to combine the original aesthetic with technical innovation. The official press release particularly emphasizes the quality of the case and dial finishes, as well as the seamless integration of the movement.
Gear Patrol highlights the mechanical feat: designing an automatic, legible, water-resistant watch with a date function in such a slim case—8.1 mm—requires significant technical compromises. The brand claims to have overcome these challenges, but in practice, it is ultimately up to collectors and watchmakers to judge whether the result lives up to expectations.
The Royal Oak has had a profound impact on watch design and the codes of luxury. High-end watches and Wikipedia highlight the nautical inspiration as well as the stylistic breakthrough initiated by Genta in 1972. This context gives even greater significance to the RD#5: it is not simply a new model, but a fresh interpretation of a legend.
Market Reception and Challenges
According to Gear Patrol, the RD#5 ranks among this year’s most significant launches. The real commercial challenge? First, to satisfy “Jumbo” purists, and second, to attract a global clientele seeking exclusivity. The value of this timepiece will depend as much on technical mastery as on how it is culturally perceived.
The announcement has sparked both admiration and caution. On the one hand, the aesthetics and historical continuity are impressive, but on the other, claiming that the “ultimate ” Royal Oak requires verifying the facts and comparing it with other iconic models. Ultimately, the RD#5’s credibility will rest on its actual performance and on an independent assessment of its horological qualities.
The RD#5 appears to be an ambitious technical tribute to a truly revolutionary watch. Based on what we know, it blends heritage and innovation, but it obviously remains under the critical scrutiny of experts and the market.