Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date 43mm
A futuristic case playing with depth, finishing and light
A two-tone openworked dial display
A high-tech split-seconds, flyback chronograph
The split-seconds mechanism enables to measure intermediate time intervals thanks to the addition of a split-seconds hand that can be stopped independently of the chronograph hand when the dedicated pusher is activated. When the latter is pressed again, it catches up to the running hand to continue their journey together around the dial, in perfect synchrony. The action can be repeated at will. Located at 9 o’clock, the push-piece subtly nods to the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer (2015) – the first mechanical watch capable of measuring consecutive lap times on the racetrack developed in collaboration with Michael Schumacher. To reduce the movement’s height, the split-seconds mechanism has been integrated within the thickness of the semi-peripheral rotor’s ball bearing and is now visible through the sapphire caseback like in pocket watches and hand-wound wristwatches. Usually hidden from view in selfwinding watches, the split-seconds wheel and two actuating clamps can be admired at the centre of the platinum oscillating weight, under the X-shaped bridge holding the mechanism in place.
In addition, the state-of-the-art timepiece encompasses the GMT function, which has become a staple of the Royal Oak Concept collection. The GMT day-night display located at 3 o’clock provides an instant reading of the time in a second time zone. It is adjusted using the crown’s coaxial push-piece at 3 o’clock (one press moves the time by one hour). The GMT system is based on two concentric discs turning at different speed: the hour disc makes a revolution in 12 hours, while the day/night disc completes a rotation in 24 hours and is recognisable by its two coloured areas: a white half for daytime and a black half representing night time.
A pioneering movement
A new stylised interchangeable strap
The new sporty timepiece premieres the first interchangeable strap of the Royal Oak Concept collection. The interchangeability system has been directly integrated into both the case and the triple-blade folding clasp to enable the wearer to change strap with a quick click and release. The system also provides optimum security when the watch is worn.
The design of the new black interchangeable rubber strap blends in with the facets of the case. The bevels on the case sides extend onto the strap, providing a seamless continuity between the two components. Furthermore, the strap is decorated with symmetrical inserts in grey hues that echo the multidimensional, two-tone aesthetics of both the case and the dial. The timepiece comes with a second all-black interchangeable rubber strap for wearers to style up their watch depending on their mood.
When rarity meets high technology
This year, the Royal Oak Concept reinterprets the split-seconds chronograph for the present day. This complication is the last family of classical complications that was introduced in the history of watchmaking. It was born at a time when the world was in full acceleration and speed was everything, both in terms of industrialization and the diffusion of competitive sports. Its origin is the measurement of performance.
Of the 1,625 watches produced in the 1880s and 1890s, 625 included a chronograph, of which 299 were equipped with a split-seconds hand. The majority of chronograph pocket watches released thereafter and through the 21st century continued to feature a split-seconds hand.
The miniaturisation of the split-seconds mechanism also led Audemars Piguet to explore other technical horizons for the chronograph function. In 2015, the Manufacture released the patented Royal Oak Concept Laptimer in collaboration with Michael Schumacher. Endowed with a flyback system with two successive and alternating flyback chronograph hands, this avant-garde watch allowed the measurement of consecutive lap times on the racetrack thanks to a single chronograph driving two central sweep-seconds hands controlled independently via three push-pieces. This watch represents a world first as such time intervals could only be measured digitally beforehand.
Following in the footsteps of this highly complicated timepiece, the split-seconds function joins the Royal Oak Concept collection this year, paving the way for a new generation of advanced split-seconds mechanisms independent of the Manufacture’s Grande Complication production and merging engineering, technology and watchmaking artisanship.
Technical specifications
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date 43 mm
Reference: 26650TI.OO.D013CA.01
Case
- Material: Titanium case and bezel
- Diameter: 43 mm
- Thickness: 17.4 mm
- Glass: Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback
- Black ceramic push-pieces and screw-locked crown
- Water-resistant to 50 metres
Dial and hands
-
Black PVD openworked German silver dial display with black inner bezel
-
White gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.
Movement
- Selfwinding Calibre 4407
- Diameter: 32 mm (14 lignes)
- Thickness: 8.92 mm
- Number of jewels: 73
- Number of parts: 638
- Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
- Minimum guaranteed power reserve 70 h
Functions/Indications
-
Flyback chronograph, split-seconds chronograph, GMT 24h, hours, minutes, small seconds and large date.
Strap and buckle
-
Black and grey interchangeable rubber strap with titanium three-blade AP folding clasp.
-
Additional black interchangeable rubber strap.
MSRP: Price on request
For more information, please visit audemarspiguet.com
Comments
Leave a comment