More than two decades after the introduction of the first Audemars Piguet to don the “Royal Oak Concept” namesake, the Swiss luxury watchmaker continues its R&D experimentation of offer pioneering timepieces … and the latest variant, the new Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date, is no exception.
This cutting-edge Royal Oak is distinguished with a new three-dimensional titanium case, replete with a satin-brushed octagonal bezel fashioned from the same hard-wearing material, measuring 43 mm in diameter. According to the Le Brassus-based brand, this lends the watch a multifaceted, ultra-modern design. The bold look is enhanced with the addition of sandblasted titanium inserts, providing a juxtaposition of angualr and rounded geometrics.
The two-tone open-worked dial — complete with rounded openings cut from a single German silver plate — provides a glimpse into the watch’s complicated micro-mechanics. But before we get to the mechanics of this timepiece, let’s continue with the dial…
The dial features white-gold hour markers and hands crafted from the same precious material. Several contrasting hues highlight the inner bezel and 12- and 6 o’clock-sited sub-dials. Red can be found on the former two items, while yellow has been applied to the latter, adding subtle yet vivid touches to the watch. Those with a keen eye will notice the purple insert where the hands are integrated with the mechanism. So, on to the mechanism…
The latest Royal Oak Concept boasts Audemars Piguet’s high-tech split-seconds flyback chronograph — the Calibre 4407, which the company says, is a feat of mechanical and industrial engineering. The movement also incorporates a GMT function. The self-winding movement comprises a whopping 638 parts. The power reserve is a generous 72 hours.