First, how often do you see a new suffix at the end of a reference for a new material? It was cool to type “SG” for Sand Gold for the first time. And if not for John Mayer QP, this would have been the headliner. But what is it? As representatives for the brand explained, they’re always experimenting with new materials (and studying old materials from the 1800s to see the combination of elements used to get colors like “green gold”). Pure gold is almost always combined with other materials to create stronger alloys, and the materials you use can often change the color. Pink gold has slowly taken a prominent place in their model lineup since its introduction in the mid-1980s, but this is not pink. By removing silver from the mix and replacing it with palladium, they achieved a very beige 18k gold 41mm by 10.6mm case. Then they applied that same sand gold finishing to the bridges of the caliber 2972, released in 2022 for the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary https://www.fanreviewwatch.com/.
Look at the images above. Now, look at the one below. Tell me you’re not shocked that it’s the same watch. And yet, it’s not a commentary on my photography. Because of the palladium, the watch shifts from that soft pinkish beige to a very silvery color, depending on the light angle. It’s maybe my favorite color watch I’ve seen in a long time. Very Loro Piana, not that I can afford the watch or clothes to go with it.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in Sand Gold, ref. 26735SG; 41mm diameter by 10.6mm thick 18-karat case, with 50m water resistance. Openworked sand gold-toned movement and sand gold-toned inner bezel, white gold applied hour markers, and Royal Oak hands with luminous coating; Flying tourbillon, hours, and minutes; Selfwinding Calibre 2972 movement running at 21,600vph with 65 hours of power reserve. 18-karat sand gold bracelet with AP folding clasp https://www.fanreviewwatch.com/.