Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date ref. 26650TI. Price: CHF 170,000
Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, a new Royal Oak Concept reference which offers, for the first time in this product line, a selfwinding split-seconds flyback chronograph function.
The multifaceted case of this model comes in a new 43 mm size with a thickness of 17.4 mm and a slightly curved profile that matches the natural shape of the wrist for improved comfort. Its taut and muscular lines are highlighted by a combination of satin-brushed, sandblasted and polished surfaces.
The screw-locked crown and the chronograph push-pieces are made of black ceramic. The pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock are used for the start, stop and reset chronograph operations. The flyback function allows the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph without having to stop it first as it happens in a regular 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. Located at 9 o’clock, this 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.
The octagonal bezel frames a two-tone openworked dial whose rounded openings have been cut out from a single German silver plate, finished with sandblasted black PVD and polished rhodium-toned bevels.
White gold hands and hour-markers, complemented with white transferred numerals spread across the dial, accentuate the two-tone aesthetic. The hour-markers, hands, counters, large date and GMT day/night disc feature luminescent coating for enhanced visibility in the dark.
Red and yellow accents, respectively marking the chronograph and GMT functions, add a touch of colour to the ensemble which is completed by a black inner bezel printed with a white tachymeter scale.
The GMT day-night display located at 3 o’clock can be 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.
The caseback showcases the selfwinding Calibre 4407 and its advanced split-seconds mechanism which has been inserted within the ball bearing holding the platinum oscillating weight to reduce the movement’s height. Beating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement has an autonomy of 70 hours.
This release 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 rubber strap is decorated with symmetrical inserts in grey hues that echo the two-tone aesthetics of both the case and the dial.
The watch comes with a second all-black interchangeable rubber strap. Two additional black rubber straps contrasted with yellow or red accents will be available in boutiques.
Water resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50 metres / 165 feet), the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date ref. 26650TI.OO.D013CA.01 has a price of CHF 170,000. audemarspiguet.com
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