Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept: Flying Tourbillon by Yoon and Verbal

While the hype surrounding the Royal Pop, the highly sought-after collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Swatch, continues to dominate headlines, AP is presenting a very different kind of co-creation. The latest Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon was developed together with Yoon Ahn and Verbal, the Tokyo-based creative duo behind Ambush, and is limited to 150 pieces. Measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, the watch is crafted from titanium and pairs a shimmering black aventurine dial with a red-accented flying tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock.

The collaboration reflects a strategy Audemars Piguet has been steadily cultivating for years. The Royal Oak Concept serves not only as a platform for technical experimentation, but also as a vehicle for creative exchanges between watchmaking, fashion, music, and contemporary culture. Yoon Ahn is renowned as a designer and creative director, while Verbal is known as a music producer, cultural entrepreneur, and longtime watch enthusiast. Together, they founded Ambush, a label that began as an experimental jewelry project before evolving into an internationally recognized fashion brand.

Red as a Visual Starting Point

The new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon retains the collection’s angular, futuristic architecture while interpreting it in a more compact format. The titanium case measures 38.5 mm in diameter and features a combination of sandblasted, satin-brushed, and polished surfaces that emphasize the sculptural geometry of the Royal Oak Concept. The screw-down crown is crafted from black ceramic and fitted with a titanium cap.

At the heart of the design is the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Its upper aluminum cage is anodized in red—a first for Audemars Piguet. This red hue serves as the visual focal point of the entire watch, drawing attention directly to the mechanical center while standing in stark contrast to the darker, more restrained surroundings. The black aventurine dial adds a subtle shimmer, while silver-grey mirror-polished bevels frame the open-worked architecture and enhance its sense of depth. Blackened white-gold Royal Oak Concept hands are filled with grey luminous material, and a black inner bezel with contrasting minute markings keeps the display clean and legible. Water exposure should be kept to a minimum: the watch is not fully water-resistant and offers only splash protection to a depth of 20 meters.

Caliber 2982 with Flying Tourbillon

Powering the limited edition is the hand-wound Caliber 2982, developed by Audemars Piguet specifically for the collaboration with Yoon and Verbal and based on the manufacture’s Caliber 2964. Beating at 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), the movement features a flying tourbillon supported only from below, eliminating the need for a prominent upper bridge and providing an unobstructed view of the rotating regulating organ. The movement delivers a power reserve of at least 72 hours. The tourbillon cage completes one full rotation per minute. The partially skeletonized dial offers additional glimpses into the movement, revealing the mainspring barrel around 11 o’clock as well as sections of the gear train. The movement showcases a variety of finishes, including bead blasting, satin brushing, and polished beveling. On the back, a sapphire crystal case back reveals the caliber in full. It also features engravings bearing the inscriptions “Audemars Piguet,” “Y/V,” and “Limited Edition.”

The Royal Oak Concept as an Experimental Platform

The Royal Oak Concept was introduced in 2002 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak and was originally conceived as a limited-edition concept watch. Its Alacrite 602 and titanium case, imposing architecture, and open-worked dial represented a radical departure from the classic Royal Oak. In 2008, the Concept evolved into a standalone collection that has since become a showcase for technical innovation and avant-garde design. Over the years, the line has served as a platform for new materials, bold aesthetics, and creative collaborations. In 2024, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” introduced a co-creation in the same 38.5 mm format. The new Yoon and Verbal edition continues this trajectory but places greater emphasis on reduction, contrast, and a singular, highly expressive color statement.

Two Interchangeable Straps

For the first time, this Royal Oak Concept format features an integrated strap interchangeability system. The watch is delivered on a black rubber strap with a “micro-mosaic” motif and a titanium AP folding clasp. A red rubber strap is included as an additional option, while a grey version is available upon request. A newly developed quilted pattern on the underside of the straps enhances comfort.

The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Yoon Verbal Limited Edition bears the reference 26643TI.OO.D002CA.01, is limited to 150 pieces, and is priced at approximately $267,000.