News 
In 2020, the Le Brassus Maison began its partnership with Tamara Ralph, pairing several of its watches with her spring/summer Prêt-à-Porter collection. Pursuing their enduring relationship, the watchmaker and the Australian designer have collaborated this year on the design of a Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon limited edition inspired by their couture universe. The timepiece, which was presented last January during the designer’s runway show in Paris, highlights the two brands’ forward-thinking approach to craftsmanship.
The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon “Tamara Ralph” Limited Edition showcases an 18-carat pink gold case adorned with Frosted Gold, giving a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones. Its visual power is accentuated by the polished bevel outlining the octagonal bezel, while the case’s satin-brushed flanks provide added contrast. The hexagonal crown, whose shape recalls the stainless steel screws punctuating the bezel, also plays with light thanks to its satin-brushed and polished finishing. Its translucent cabochon-cut sapphire adds yet another touch of feminine elegance to the case design.
The multi-layered dial draws inspiration from the bold femininity and textured detailing of Tamara Ralph’s Couture creations. It is composed of four overlapping circular pink gold plates, creating a ripple effect as they emanate from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Each layer presents a different colour, evolving from brown in the centre to bronze in the middle, to reach golden tones towards the dial’s extremity. While the brown and golden colours have been achieved through galvanic treatment, the bronze layer is covered with bronze lacquer. The dial is adorned with a continuous sunburst satin-finishing radiating from the hands outwards, in seamless alignment from one plate to the other. Pushing details to the limit, each plate features a thin diamond-polished gold thread that adds depth to the dial.
Powered by hand-wound Calibre 2964, this limited edition combines tradition with modernity. Its flying tourbillon, visible at 6 o’clock, gives a glimpse of the mechanism pulsating within. Matching the circular, multi-layered architecture of the dial, the flying tourbillon merges technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetics. The cage’s upper frame incorporates three rings radiating from an offset disc paved with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds. Its pink-gold-toned hue echoes the hour and minute hands, made from the same precious alloy, both filled with luminescent coating for optimum legibility in the dark. At 12 o’clock, the applied pink gold AP monogram adds the final touch. Hour-markers have been left out to accentuate the purity and harmony of the dial design.
The timepiece comes with a bronze-toned hand-stitched “large square scale” alligator strap. It is also supplied with an additional brown alligator strap recalling the centre of the dial for a refined look.
February 15, 2024