Last week at SIHH 2013, Audemars Piguet introduced a new Royal Oak Diver in black ceramic. Audemar Piguet’s new diver will sit alongside the stainless steel and forged carbon divers in the model lineup, however, ceramic may eventually supersede forged carbon. Audemars Piguet was the first watchmaker to utilize forged carbon, and while it was originally considered to be an exclusive high-tech material perfect for watch cases and bezels, they have since decided to put more focus on ceramic, as it is much stronger.

For the first time, a clear case back has been used by Audemars Piguet for their dive watch. Some may argue that a diver should always have a solid case back, and while that is a valid argument, an Audemars Piguet manufacture movement is so beautiful, the opposing side of the argument is equally valid. I think caliber 3120 with its finely finished bridges and mainplate, and its 22K solid gold rotor, are just too beautiful to conceal. Afterall, a diver like this is more about a lifestyle than diving anyways.

Like the original, the case is 42 mm by 13.75 mm with a 40-jewel self-winding movement, 21,600 vph (3Hz) rate, 60-hour power reserve. Méga Tapisserie dial, white gold applied hour markers, black rotating inner bezel ring with diving scale. Rubber dive strap with titanium buckle. Retail price is $21,800.