Audemars Piguet
AP 3120
Swiss lever · introduced 2003
Beat rate
21,600 vph
Power reserve
60h
Jewels
38
Introduced
2003
Escapement
Swiss lever
The AP 3120 is the manufacture automatic at the core of the Royal Oak, developed in-house by Audemars Piguet as a replacement for the JLC 2121. Côtes de Genève, beveling, perlage, and anglage are applied by hand to all visible surfaces. The 22-carat gold rotor is standard. Collectors who open the caseback of a Royal Oak cite this movement as a central part of the ownership experience.
Specifications
Beats per hour
21,600
Jewels
38
Power reserve
60h
Diameter
26.6mm
Height
4.26mm
Escapement
Swiss lever
Introduced
2003
Finishing
Haute horlogerie
Service interval
8 years
Service cost tier
Haute
Complications
dateweekday
Known service issues
- Fine hand-finishing means service requires AP-trained watchmakers to preserve the anglage and surface work; generic service destroys resale value
- Date corrector lever spring is a known wear point after 15-plus years
Notable in
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400ST
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202ST (Ultra-Thin, 2121)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST
References in our catalog using this caliber
Buying advice
Practical guides for buying a watch with this caliber on the pre-owned market: