Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch represents a futuristic evolution of the classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepiece. In design, materials, and execution this extraordinary timepiece offers the alluring combination of traditional haute horlogerie with innovative technical implementations--as such, the Royal Oak Concept watch perfectly embodies the pioneering spirit of Jules-Louis Audemars and Edouard-Auguste Piguet.

The Royal Oak Concept watch is animated by a stunning and highly complicated manually wound caliber created by Audemars Piguet in association with Renaud et Papi, a noted specialist in exceptional complicated movements. This remarkable movement features a one-minute tourbillon which has been mounted on a unique serpentine bridge; secured on both sides, this tourbillon is designed for maximal stability, important in light of the delicate mechanics of the tourbillon. Audemars Piguet has designed this movement with both a dynamographe and power reserve indicator; the former, in a retrograde format at the top of the watch dial, shows the amount of torque in the mainspring (and hence, the optimal power curve that ensures superior timekeeping performance) while the latter, on a thermometer-type vertical scale provides an indication for the remaining rotations of the mainspring barrel. Yet another innovative element this movement provides is a unique setting indicator which shows a specific function that the crown is set to perform. This subdial, shown at the lower part of the Royal Oak Concept watch's dial, features three indications--R (Remontoir--for winding), H (Heure--setting the time), and N (neutral); the screwed-in pushpiece below the crown is used to select a function, before the crown is utilized.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch displays a case which is equally innovative. It retains essential elements of the traditional Royal Oak watch design, most especially the octagonal bezel with the characteristic hexagonal screws, but offers an completely distinctive case design that hints at the strength it offers. The case of this timepiece is crafted from Alacrite 602, an exceptionally strong, yet lightweight cobalt alloy employed in the aerospace industry; thus, despite the herculean dimensions of this watch, it remains comfortable on the wrist, and not unduly heavy. Thanks to the strength of the alacrite case, and the massive, insulated crown and selector pushpiece, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch resists water intrusion to a depth of 500 meters. Audemars Piguet supplies this remarkable sports timepiece with a fabric strap, and a titanium and stainless steel folding clasp, whose shape takes the form of the Audemars Piguet brand initials. Due to the exceptional technique and craftsmanship embodied in the movement and design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch, only 150 pieces will be offered.