Audemars Piguet, the prestigious Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer, has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the release of a new 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date. This timepiece, set to captivate the world of luxury watches, features the debut of a groundbreaking coloured forged carbon case, made possible through the brand’s in-house Chroma Forged Technology (CFT). Combining cutting-edge materials with masterful craftsmanship, the watch presents a high-tech aesthetic and impeccable performance, underscoring Audemars Piguet’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Innovation Redefines Luxury Craftsmanship
The innovative material is not only visually striking with its subtle blue luminescent pigments but also highly resistant to heat, humidity, and shocks, offering exceptional durability without compromising on style. The watch’s ultra-light forged carbon case, enhanced by a sleek black ceramic bezel, crown, and push-pieces, epitomizes modern watchmaking. The electric blue accents on the openworked dial echo the watch’s futuristic design, embodying the perpetual quest for innovation at the heart of Audemars Piguet.
After five years of intensive research, this breakthrough allows the colouring of carbon fibres directly, offering endless design possibilities. The process, patented by Audemars Piguet, involves a meticulous multi-layer handcrafting technique, ensuring each timepiece is unique.“Audemars Piguet was the first brand to introduce forged carbon to watchmaking in 2007. After five years of research and development, we are proud to present a brand- new generation of forged carbon, which can be coloured while retaining its excellent mechanical properties.” says Lucas Raggi, Research and Development Director.
Watchmaking Meets Futuristic Aesthetic
The Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT’s sleek two-tone design masterfully combines function with form. Featuring glow-in-the-dark blue fibres that highlight the case’s contours, the watch is paired with a matching electric blue rubber strap for a sporty yet refined look. Additionally, the openworked dial with sandblasted nickel silver and polished rhodium-toned bevels showcases intricate mechanics, giving the wearer a glimpse into the watch’s internal brilliance.
In true Audemars Piguet fashion, the movement inside is just as impressive. The selfwinding Calibre 4407 powers this timepiece, boasting split-seconds chronograph functionality, a flyback mechanism, and a GMT display. Designed for precision and ease of use, this movement stands as a testament to Audemars Piguet’s continued pursuit of excellence in Haute Horlogerie.
A Timeless Innovation
Beyond aesthetics, the watch serves as a symbol of Audemars Piguet’s pioneering efforts in advanced materials. The reintroduction of forged carbon marks a new chapter for the brand, which first introduced this material to watchmaking in 2007. The coloured forged carbon now opens up boundless creative opportunities, further securing the Le Brassus-based manufacture’s place as a leader in high-tech luxury.
Ilaria Resta, Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet, confirms this dedication to innovation: “This new CFT carbon is testament to our teams’ expertise and to the endless quest for innovation that has driven Audemars Piguet since its inception in 1875. It also opens up new creative horizons, promising many surprises for Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts in the years to come.”
