Founded in 1875 in the heart of the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland,
Audemars Piguet has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation, crafting timepieces that are as technically impressive as they are aesthetically captivating. From the groundbreaking Royal Oak in 1972, which dared to challenge the conventions of luxury watchmaking with its stainless steel construction and bold octagonal design, to the avant-garde complications of the Royal Oak Concept collection, Audemars Piguet has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing the envelope of what is possible in the world of watchmaking.
Launched in 2002, the Royal Oak Concept collection serves as a testament to Audemars Piguet's relentless pursuit of innovation and its willingness to experiment with new materials, designs, and complications. This collection, a stark departure from the classic elegance of the original Royal Oak, embraces a futuristic aesthetic characterized by bold lines, intricate open-worked dials, and the use of cutting-edge materials such as titanium, ceramic, and forged carbon. It's a playground for horological experimentation, where master watchmakers and designers collaborate to create timepieces that are as technically impressive as they are visually striking. Each Royal Oak Concept watch is a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, showcasing a fusion of artistry, engineering, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The latest addition to this illustrious lineage is the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, a timepiece that not only boasts an impressive array of complications but also introduces a groundbreaking new material to the world of watchmaking: blue forged carbon. This innovative material, developed in Audemars Piguet's own R&D workshops, represents a significant leap forward in the brand's ongoing quest for technical excellence. It's a testament to the maison's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional watchmaking craftsmanship to create a timepiece that is both visually stunning and technically impressive.
The Royal Oak Concept Blue Forged Carbon is a visual symphony of blue and black, a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery of color and texture. The watch's 43mm case, crafted from the innovative blue forged carbon, is a striking sight to behold. The deep black of the carbon, interspersed with subtle blue luminescent pigments, creates a mesmerizing visual effect, reminiscent of a starry night sky. The case's intricate texture, a result of the forging process, adds another layer of visual depth, showcasing the raw beauty of this high-tech material.
The black ceramic bezel, crown, push-pieces, and caseback provide a stark contrast to the blue forged carbon case, further accentuating its unique texture and color. The open-worked dial, a signature feature of the Royal Oak Concept collection, offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the watch's movement, showcasing the mechanical ballet within. The black counters with their blue external zones, the white gold hour-markers and hands with their luminescent coating, the titanium chronograph and split-second hands, and the blue inner bezel all contribute to the watch's dynamic and visually arresting aesthetic.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The blue and black rubber strap, with its titanium AP folding clasp and interchangeable strap system, complements the watch's overall design, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The additional black and blue rubber strap offers further customization options, allowing the wearer to tailor the watch to their personal style.
The blue forged carbon used in the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is more than just a visual treat; it's a testament to Audemars Piguet's relentless pursuit of technical innovation. Developed using the brand's patented Chroma Forged Technology (CFT), this material represents a new generation of forged carbon, one that can be colored while retaining its exceptional mechanical properties.
Forged carbon, first introduced to watchmaking by Audemars Piguet in 2007, is a high-tech material known for its lightness, strength, and resistance to scratches and shocks. It's created by compressing carbon fibers under high pressure and heat, resulting in a material that is both incredibly durable and visually striking. The CFT process takes this a step further, allowing for the incorporation of luminescent pigments into the carbon fibers, creating a material that glows in the dark. This not only adds a unique visual element to the watch but also enhances its legibility in low-light conditions.
The blue forged carbon used in the Royal Oak Concept is not only visually stunning but also boasts impressive technical specifications. It's non-porous, offering unprecedented resistance to humidity, heat, and shocks, making it ideal for a watch that's designed to be worn in a variety of conditions. It's also incredibly light, ensuring that the watch remains comfortable on the wrist even despite its complex movement and large size.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
While the Royal Oak Concept Blue Forged Carbon is undoubtedly a visual masterpiece, it's the mechanical marvel within that truly sets it apart. The watch houses the self-winding Calibre 4407, a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery of haute horlogerie. This highly complicated movement combines a flyback chronograph, split-seconds, GMT, and a large date, all within a compact and ergonomic design.
The flyback chronograph allows for the instant restarting of the chronograph with a single push, a feature that's particularly useful for timing events that occur in quick succession. The split-seconds function, also known as a rattrapante, allows for the timing of two events that start simultaneously but end at different times. The GMT function, meanwhile, displays a second time zone, making it ideal for frequent travelers. And the large date, a signature complication of Audemars Piguet, provides enhanced legibility and a touch of elegance.
Despite its complexity, the Calibre 4407 has been designed with ergonomics and ease of use in mind. The push-pieces are positioned for optimal comfort and accessibility, while the functions are clearly displayed on the dial. It's a testament to Audemars Piguet's commitment to creating watches that are not only technically impressive but also user-friendly.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
At the heart of this timepiece beats the selfwinding Calibre 4407, a marvel of mechanical engineering that combines several high complications into a single, cohesive movement. The flyback chronograph, a feature prized by racing enthusiasts and watch connoisseurs alike, allows for the instantaneous restarting of the chronograph with a single push of a button. This eliminates the need to stop, reset, and then restart the chronograph, making it ideal for timing events that occur in rapid succession. The split-seconds function, a hallmark of high-end chronographs, enables the timing of two events that start simultaneously but finish at different times. This is achieved through the use of two chronograph seconds hands, one of which can be stopped independently to record an intermediate time while the other continues to run.
The GMT function, a must-have for frequent travelers, displays a second time zone, allowing the wearer to keep track of the time in two different locations simultaneously. The large date, a signature complication of Audemars Piguet, provides enhanced legibility and adds a touch of sophistication to the dial. Despite its array of complications, the Calibre 4407 is surprisingly user-friendly, thanks to its ergonomic design and intuitive operation. The push-pieces are positioned for optimal comfort and accessibility, while the functions are clearly displayed on the open-worked dial.
Speaking of the dial, it's a masterpiece of modern design, showcasing the intricate mechanics of the movement while maintaining a sense of visual harmony. The black counters with their blue external zones create a dynamic contrast, drawing the eye to the chronograph and split-seconds displays. The white gold hour-markers and hands, coated with luminescent material, ensure optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. The titanium chronograph and split-seconds hands add a touch of modernity, while the blue inner bezel echoes the luminescent pigments in the forged carbon case.
The 43mm case, crafted from the innovative blue forged carbon, is a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery of materials science. The deep black of the carbon, punctuated by subtle blue luminescent pigments, creates a mesmerizing visual effect that changes depending on the lighting. The case's intricate texture, a result of the forging process, adds another layer of visual depth, showcasing the raw beauty of this high-tech material. The black ceramic bezel, crown, push-pieces, and caseback provide a stark contrast to the blue forged carbon, further highlighting its unique texture and color. The combination of these materials results in a timepiece that is both visually striking and incredibly durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday wear.
Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The blue and black rubber strap, with its titanium AP folding clasp, complements the watch's high-tech aesthetic while providing a comfortable and secure fit. The interchangeable strap system allows for easy customization, enabling the wearer to switch between the included blue and black strap or any other compatible Audemars Piguet strap. This versatility ensures that the watch can be adapted to any occasion or personal style.
The Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is not just a watch; it's a statement of individuality, a celebration of innovation, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Audemars Piguet. It's a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship to create a truly exceptional timepiece. Its price, available upon request, reflects its exclusivity and the exceptional level of craftsmanship that goes into its creation.