Audemars Piguet Unveils Forged Carbon Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date
In the midst of the high-octane excitement of the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024, watch enthusiasts and journalists were treated to an unveiling of Audemars Piguet’s latest masterpiece. The Swiss luxury watchmaker showcased its 43mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date at a global launch event at Monti Italian restaurant in Singapore on September 20th.
Priced at 185,000 Swiss francs (approximately S$282,000), this new model represents the renaissance of forged carbon, now elevated with the brand’s cutting-edge Chroma Forged Technology (CFT). Forged carbon, known for its lightweight, durable, and sturdy qualities, is produced by blending carbon-fibre strands with resin and subjecting them to heat and pressure.
Introduced in 2007, Audemars Piguet was the first to innovate with forged carbon, creating the world’s initial forged carbon timepiece to commemorate its sponsorship of the Swiss team in the America’s Cup sailing competition. After five years of development in the brand’s R&D workshops, CFT introduces a revolutionary technique that enables the carbon fibres themselves to be colored, not just the resin that binds them.
This breakthrough not only unlocks exciting design possibilities but also delivers unmatched durability. The new carbon material is resistant to heat, humidity, shocks, and even scratches, owing to its lower resin content. Watch enthusiasts can anticipate a tougher and more distinctive timepiece on their wrists, as each case middle is meticulously handcrafted, resulting in unique patterns.
The case middle is embellished with electric-blue luminescent pigments that glow in the dark, creating a futuristic aesthetic when paired with a black ceramic bezel, crown, and push-pieces. To elevate the overall look, the timepiece features a blue rubber strap with black accents that can be effortlessly swapped for a second black-and-blue strap, offering versatility to the wearer.
Exceptional Features of the Royal Oak Concept
At the heart of the Royal Oak Concept is the Calibre 4407, a masterful combination of a flyback chronograph, split-seconds function, GMT, and large date display. The flyback function allows users to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push, while the split-seconds mechanism enables them to measure intermediate time intervals with precision.
Tracking a second time zone becomes effortless with the GMT function, enhancing the watch’s functionality for globetrotters. The openworked dial is a visual delight, showcasing circular cut-outs in a black PVD-coated nickel silver plate that reveal glimpses of the intricate movement beneath. PVD, or physical vapour deposition, is a technique used to deposit thin films onto various surfaces one atom or molecule at a time.
Electric-blue accents contrast against the black and grey tones on the dial, enhancing legibility and infusing the watch with a bold and edgy style. The combination of cutting-edge technology and innovative design elements makes the Royal Oak Concept a standout timepiece in Audemars Piguet’s illustrious lineup.
Tag Heuer’s Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
Following the success of last year’s Racing Blue edition, Tag Heuer has introduced the Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, a striking homage to the model’s heritage in motorsport. Originally launched in 1969, the Monaco attained iconic status when legendary actor Steve McQueen sported it in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” set against the backdrop of a grueling endurance auto race.
Maintaining the distinctive square 39mm case that defines the Monaco, this new iteration is crafted from Grade 2 titanium, offering a lighter feel on the wrist compared to its stainless steel predecessors. The standout feature of this limited edition watch, restricted to 1,000 pieces, is its captivating dial, featuring racing green sub-dials with bold yellow accents on the central seconds hand and the 12 o’clock marker.
Paired with a matching green leather strap with a vibrant yellow lining, this edition injects a fresh and dynamic twist to the classic design of the Monaco. Powering this timepiece is the Calibre 11 movement, renowned for its distinctive 9 o’clock crown placement, underscoring Tag Heuer’s commitment to precision and performance in the realm of motorsports.
Omega Seamaster Regatta: A Nautical Marvel
Omega’s latest creation, the Seamaster Regatta, is a tribute to the 37th America’s Cup and tailored for serious sailors who demand precision and functionality. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, this 46.75mm timepiece features both analogue and digital displays, making it an indispensable tool for navigating the high seas.
Designed to meet the demands of high-speed boat racing, the Seamaster Regatta boasts a comprehensive set of features, including a moonphase indicator, chronograph, sailing logbook, temperature gauge, accelerometer, and three alarms. The dial incorporates an LCD display for quick readability, with Diver 300M-inspired hands that can be cleared for enhanced visibility.
Practicality takes center stage with four color-coded pushers for easy operation, even in challenging maritime conditions. The Regatta also offers audio cues enhanced by a wave-patterned caseback designed to deliver clearer alarm sounds. The caseback proudly displays the 37th America’s Cup logo and houses Omega’s new Calibre 5701, a versatile quartz chronograph movement with a thermo-compensated integrated circuit.
Fitted with a blue rubber strap featuring Omega’s patented Quick-Change system, the Seamaster Regatta epitomizes the brand’s commitment to innovation and performance in the realm of marine horology.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 101 Secrets Watch in Platinum 950: A Timeless Marvel
Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the 101 Secrets watch in Platinum 950, a dazzling masterpiece showcasing the world’s smallest mechanical movement, the Calibre 101. Developed in 1929, this diminutive marvel measures a mere 14mm by 4.8mm, weighs only 1g, and boasts a remarkable 33-hour power reserve, requiring 40 hours of meticulous hand assembly.
Concealed behind a shimmering array of 1,028 diamonds, the dial can be unveiled by a hidden button known only to the wearer, adding an element of intrigue and sophistication to this extraordinary timepiece. The bracelet, adorned with diamonds, is meticulously crafted to enhance the brilliance of the platinum setting, a testament to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and artistry.
An exquisite fusion of technical innovation and aesthetic elegance, the 101 Secrets watch embodies the pinnacle of haute horlogerie, offering a sublime experience for discerning connoisseurs of fine timepieces. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s dedication to excellence shines through in every facet of this extraordinary creation, exemplifying the brand’s illustrious heritage and unrivaled expertise in the art of watchmaking.