Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Gets Green Malachite Dials in Yellow Gold - A Stunning Combination
Natural Stone Dials Meet Iconic Design
Audemars Piguet has expanded its use of exotic stone dials with two stunning Royal Oak Selfwinding references in 37mm and 41mm, featuring vivid green malachite dials set in 18k yellow gold cases. This combination creates a dramatic, regal effect that honors AP's pioneering history with stone dials.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | 37mm Model | 41mm Model |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 37mm | 41mm |
| Thickness | 9.3mm | 10.5mm |
| Material | 18k Yellow Gold | 18k Yellow Gold |
| Dial | Green Malachite | Green Malachite |
| Movement | Calibre 5909 | Calibre 4309 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours | 70 hours |
| Price | CHF 59,800 | CHF 64,700 |
The Beauty of Malachite
Natural malachite is prized for its vibrant green color and unique banded patterns. Fluctuations in copper content produce subtle variations:
- Higher copper concentration: Deeper, more intense green
- Lower copper concentration: Lighter shade
Formed during the crystallization process, the striking banded patterns make each dial unique. However, with a hardness of only 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, cutting the relatively soft, heat-sensitive stone into ultra-thin slabs requires precision lapidary saws to avoid breakage.
Design Details
Replacing the iconic Tapisserie dial with rich, banded green malachite creates a dramatic effect, enhanced by yellow gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. Unlike earlier Royal Oak editions, these models do not feature a date window at 3 o'clock, allowing the polished green stone to flow uninterrupted.
AP's Stone Dial Heritage
While the trend for stone dials has swept the watch industry, Audemars Piguet got a head start decades ago:
- 1960s: Stone dials on ultra-thin dress watches
- 1988: Ultra-slim Royal Oak in platinum with lapis lazuli dial
- 2023: Royal Oak 37mm in yellow gold with turquoise dial
- 2026: Green malachite dials in 37mm and 41mm
Movement Comparison
37mm Model (Calibre 5909): Made by Vaucher for Audemars Piguet, this automatic movement features 174 components, 29 jewels, and operates at 28,800vph with a 60-hour power reserve.
41mm Model (Calibre 4309): AP's in-house automatic with 225 parts, 32 jewels, 32mm diameter, and 70-hour power reserve. Its large diameter ensures excellent chronometric performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is malachite a durable dial material?
Malachite is relatively soft (3.5-4 on the Mohs scale), making it more delicate than metal dials. However, AP's precision cutting and finishing techniques ensure durability for normal wear. The stone is protected under sapphire crystal.
Why no date window on these models?
AP chose to omit the date window to allow the natural malachite patterns to flow uninterrupted across the dial, maximizing the visual impact of the stone.
Are these limited editions?
No, these references join the permanent collection, though availability will be managed through AP's boutique allocation system.
Source: Monochrome Watches, February 4, 2026
Explore more: Guide to Stone Dial Watches | Royal Oak Collection