Audemars Piguet regularly amazes us with a concept watch, the secret of which is held by this family-run and totally independent manufacturer. At the SIHH 2015, which will take place next January in Geneva, AP has just unveiled a prototype of a unique titanium watch with a futuristic design housing an in-house chronograph and minute repeater caliber whose sound quality "makes it a sound concept" in its own right!
At the end of an eight-year research program, culminating in three patent applications, Audemars Piguet unveils its Royal Oak Concept, a unique prototype. Designed in AP's acoustic research laboratory, this concept watch " is the first striking watch whose sound quality is such that it becomes a sound concept in its own right " assures the house in its press release.
It should be noted that the sound was developed as part of a long-term research program in collaboration with the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). It took three years to translate the results of the study into a watch design. This research first made it possible to scientifically define acoustic objectives that were then used by watchmakers to measure and achieve the "perfect" sound of a minute repeater at a volume never before achieved (often the weak point of this type of timepiece).
To achieve this, Audemars Piguet drew on the principles of instrument making to radically rethink the technology of chiming watches and thus revolutionize acoustic quality and sound transmission. The Le Brassus manufacturer also innovated to overcome the constraints posed by water resistance (watches water resistant to only 20 meters compared to 30 most of the time), which attenuates the sound, and devised solutions to increase the sound intensity. Finally, to improve the perception of sound, AP equipped the chiming mechanism with a virtually silent regulator. The result: a modern, waterproof minute repeater watch with scientifically improved sound in terms of volume, timbre, tones and harmony. " underlines the prestigious manufacturer.
For the first time in the history of chiming watches, the minute repeater function is no longer reserved for the confidential use of its owner. Quite the opposite: the unprecedented sound invites them to share this unique experience with their loved ones. For this research program, Audemars called upon a team of hand-picked researchers, including watchmakers, artisans, technicians, and teachers.
For example, a string instrument maker dissected the internal mechanisms of musical instruments; a distinguished professor from the Geneva Conservatory studied the perception of sound; and an engineer from EPFL worked on improving sound quality. Each contributed to ensuring that the program was not reduced to a simple theoretical exercise and to highlight sound as a means of expression.
Technical specifics
Mouvement hand-wound manufacture, with minute repeater, tourbillon and column-wheel chronograph
Total diameter 29,90 mm (13 ¼ lines)
Pendulum frequency 3 Hz (21 vibrations/hour)
Features
Hours and minutes
Chronograph with central second hand, 30-minute counter (at 3 o'clock)
Minute repeater
Minimum guaranteed power reserve > 48 h
Housing
44 mm titanium case, titanium bezel, titanium pusher guards.
Black dial, black counters, Royal Oak Concept hands with luminescent coating.
Waterproofness: 20 m
Bracelet
Black rubber strap with titanium folding clasp
