Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date

Last month, Audemars Piguet introduced a new timepiece, the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, featuring a groundbreaking material developed in-house: Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon.

This 43mm watch, part of the brand's prestigious Royal Oak Concept collection, debuts with a unique blend of style, precision, and futuristic design, using a colored forged carbon.

The CFT carbon, developed over five years in Audemars Piguet's research and development workshops, combines resistance to heat, humidity, and shocks with unique aesthetics.

The CFT carbon case middle is ultra-light and adorned with blue luminescent pigments that enhance the watch's bold and innovative look. The case is paired with a black ceramic bezel, crown, and push-pieces, with titanium elements adding a contrasting touch.

The open-worked dial, designed like a bridge, features precise cutouts that reveal the intricate mechanics beneath. These details, along with electric blue accents on the dial and hands, create a striking visual effect, further highlighting the avant-garde design of the Royal Oak Concept.

A Futuristic Material: Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) Carbon

CFT carbon, the star of the new Royal Oak Concept, marks the return of forged carbon to Audemars Piguet after an eight-year absence. However, this is no ordinary carbon. CFT allows color to be integrated directly into the carbon fibers, offering new creative possibilities for watch design.

Unlike traditional forged carbon, where resin is colored, this new technique adds pigments directly to the carbon fibers. The result is a non-porous, highly durable material that is resistant to shocks, humidity and heat.

The process behind CFT carbon is complex, involving the manual placement of carbon fibers in molds layer by layer, like a mille-feuille pastry, before being compressed and cured under pressure for ten hours.

The unique blend of colors and patterns achieved by hand ensures that each watch case is slightly different, making every piece one of a kind. This innovative material represents a bold leap forward for Audemars Piguet.

High-Tech Movement with Multiple Functions

At the heart of the watch is the Calibre 4407, a self-winding movement designed to combine complex functions with user-friendly ergonomics.

The movement features a flyback chronograph, a split-seconds mechanism, a GMT function, and a large date display. This makes it a highly functional timepiece that caters to precision and convenience. The GMT function provides a second time zone display with an easy-to-read day/night indicator.

The Calibre 4407 is beautifully finished with traditional Haute Horlogerie decorations, such as polished chamfers and circular graining, visible through the sapphire caseback. Despite its mechanical complexity, the movement is designed to be intuitive and easy to operate.

Ergonomics and Design for Modern Times

In addition to its technical prowess, the watch is designed with the wearer's comfort in mind. The case and crown are slightly curved to follow the natural shape of the wrist, ensuring a comfortable fit. The watch is mounted on a sporty blue and black rubber strap with a titanium folding clasp, adding to its modern and bold look.

The strap also features Audemars Piguet's interchangeability system. This allows users to easily swap it out for the included second strap.

The Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date represents Audemars Piguet's latest leap forward in material innovation and watch design. With its debut of Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon, the timepiece combines an ultra-modern aesthetic with the brand's signature technical complexity.