The Audemars Piguet 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date model arrives.
Audemars Piguet, the renowned Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer, has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking with its latest masterpiece: the 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date.
Pioneering Material: Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) Carbon
At the heart of this horological marvel lies a revolutionary material developed by Audemars Piguet’s R&D team over five years: Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon. This patented innovation marks the triumphant return of forged carbon to the brand’s repertoire after an eight-year hiatus.
CFT carbon offers a unique combination of qualities:
- Lightweight yet incredibly resistant to shocks, heat, and humidity
- Non-porous structure for enhanced durability
- Ability to incorporate colored pigments directly into the carbon fibers
- Lower resin content, resulting in improved scratch resistance
The manufacturing process of CFT carbon is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to innovation. It involves meticulously coloring and arranging carbon fibers, layering them with resin, and subjecting the mixture to high pressure and heat. This painstaking process results in a material that not only boasts superior technical properties but also allows for unprecedented aesthetic possibilities.
Avant-Garde Design: A Symphony of Dark Tones and Electric Blue
The Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date is a visual spectacle that seamlessly blends futuristic aesthetics with functional elegance. The watch features:
- A 43 mm case with a CFT carbon middle, adorned with luminescent blue fibers
- A black ceramic bezel, crown, push-pieces, and caseback, expertly finished with satin-brushing and polishing
- An openworked dial reminiscent of a movement bridge, crafted from sandblasted nickel silver with black PVD coating
- Electric blue accents on the inner bezel and counter zones, providing striking contrast and enhanced legibility
- White gold hour-markers and hands filled with luminescent material that glows blue in the dark
- A blue rubber strap with black accents, complemented by an additional black and blue rubber strap
Horological Mastery: Calibre 4407
Powering this exceptional timepiece is the selfwinding Calibre 4407, a pinnacle of mechanical engineering that combines:
- Flyback chronograph
- Split-seconds function
- GMT display
- Large date complication
Key features of the movement include:
- A patented zero-resetting mechanism for instantaneous chronograph reset
- An innovative split-seconds mechanism integrated within the rotor’s ball bearing
- A GMT function with day/night display
- 70-hour power reserve
- 4 Hz (28,800 vph) balance wheel frequency
Specifications at a Glance
- Model: Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date
- Reference: 26650FO.OO.D353CA.01
- Case: 43 mm, CFT carbon with black ceramic elements
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Movement: Calibre 4407, selfwinding
- Power Reserve: Minimum 70 hours
- Functions: Flyback chronograph, split-seconds chronograph, 24h GMT, hours, minutes, small seconds, large date
- Strap: Interchangeable blue and black rubber straps with titanium AP folding clasp
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date represents the pinnacle of horological innovation. By combining avant-garde materials, complex mechanics, and bold design, this timepiece not only pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage but also charts a course for the future of luxury watchmaking. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this latest addition to the Royal Oak Concept line offers an unparalleled fusion of form and function, cementing Audemars Piguet’s position at the forefront of Haute Horlogerie.
