This week Audemars Piguet unveils the first-ever Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar produced in full titanium. Designed in collaboration with Austen Chu, the limited edition timepiece celebrates the Swish manufacture’s enduring history with China.

“For well over 200 years, beautiful and complex watch mechanisms from the Vallée de Joux have been made especially for China," says AP's Michael Friedman. "Audemars Piguet is honored to continue this historic tradition with the creation of this highly contemporary Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in titanium made for the Chinese market.”

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar China Limited Edition features an ultra-light titanium case and bracelet hand-finished with satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The dial is showcased in a slate grey “Grande Tapisserie,” contrasted with black sub dials and inner bezel, in addition to the white hour markers. Lastly, the week-indication hand is colored in red as a reference to the Chinese traditional symbol of happiness and passion.

The limited edition Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar comes with two additional straps, one in red rubber and another in grey hand-stitched alligator.

"This watch embodies both tradition and modernity, prospering in tandem with craftsmanship," adds Chu. "We chose to contrast the gunmetal titanium with the dark-red week indicator with matching straps, incorporating my Chinese heritage into the piece. Being able to collaborate with AP is a truly fun and eye opening experience.”

Limited to 88 units as a nod to China’s lucky number, the titanium Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar retails for $78,300 and is an Audemars Piguet boutique exclusive in Mainland China only.