Audemars Piguet SIHH2015: Royal Oak Concept

Nov 26, 2014,07:12 AM
 





Acoustic Research – Episode 1 
The sound awakens 

Exceptional engineering and the power of sound merge in one of the most innovative concept watches created by a Swiss haute horlogerie watchmaking house. The result of an in-depth eight-year sound research programme with three patents pending, this new Royal Oak Concept watch, a unique prototype, will be unveiled by Audemars Piguet at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2015 (SIHH) in Geneva 

 A HIGH-DEFINITION ACOUSTIC MASTERPIECE 

Engineered within Audemars Piguet’s acoustic research lab, this new Royal Oak Concept is the first chiming watch so acoustically considered as to become a sound concept in its own right. It has been sonically developed through an ongoing acoustic study programme in collaboration with the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and it took three years to transfer that technological study into a watch concept. The result is scientifically defined sonic targets for watchmakers to measure and attain the ‘perfect’ minute repeater sound at a volume level never achieved before. 

By applying the principles of stringed instrument making, Audemars Piguet has made a breakthrough in the acoustic quality of chiming watch technology and significantly enhanced sound transmission. In parallel, the Manufacture has innovated to overcome the necessary restrictions of water-resistance, which naturally dampens volume, with creative solutions increasing sound intensity. Finally, to further improve sound perception, Audemars Piguet developed a new – almost silent – striking mechanism regulator. The result? The volume, pitch, tones and harmony of sound in a modern water-resistant minute repeater watch are all scientifically enhanced. 

For the first time in the history of chiming wristwatches, this timepiece isn’t a minute repeater simply meant for the confidential use of its wearer. Instead, its unique sound becomes a powerful experience to be shared. 

The family-owned watchmaker took a passionate as well as a technological approach to the study programme, engaging a carefully chosen community of researchers, including watchmakers, artisans, technicians and academics. The inner working of musical instruments was explored by a stringed instrument maker, an esteemed academic of the Geneva conservatory contributed on the subject of perceived sound, and an engineer from EPFL worked to improve sonic quality. Each added to the texture of the research programme, preventing it from becoming a simple academic exercise and highlighting sound as an expressive tool. 

This new piece is a milestone in Audemars Piguet’s rich history of creating inventive, masterful and unique concepts: it breaks the rules of chiming watches by mastering sound. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 

MOVEMENT 
Hand-wound Manufacture movement with minute repeater, tourbillon and columnwheel chronograph 
Total diameter 29.90 mm (13 ¼ lignes) 
Minimal guaranteed power reserve > 48 h 
Frequency of balance wheel 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations / hour) 

CASE 
Titanium case, Titanium bezel, titanium push piece guards. 
Diameter: 44 mm 
Water Resistance: 20 m 

DIAL 
Black dial, black counters, Royal Oak concept hands with luminescent coating. 

STRAP 
Black rubber with titanium folding buckle 

FUNCTIONS 
Hours and minutes 
Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute counter (at 3 o’clock) 
Minute Repeater
 

About Audemars Piguet 
Audemars Piguet is the oldest fine watchmaking manufacturer still in the hands of its founding families (Audemars and Piguet). Since 1875, the company has written some of the finest chapters in the history of Haute Horlogerie, including a number of world firsts. In the Vallée de Joux, at the heart of the Swiss Jura, numerous masterpieces are created in limited series embodying a remarkable degree of horological perfection, including daring sporty models, classic and traditional timepieces, splendid ladies’ jewellerywatches, as well as one-of-a-kind creations. 

www.audemarspiguet.com
 
 
 
  



This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-11-26 08:01:03 This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-11-29 19:48:04


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Can't wait to read more about this one. And to see more pics.

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2014-07:17
Without forgetting the sound file... Or better, an in the real experience. Best, Nicolas

Me too... this looks to be another AMAZING breakthrough from the AP Manufacture

 
 By: MichaelC : November 26th, 2014-07:54
I am very excited to learn more about this watch. And to continue to dream about other projects that are in the pipeline at AP. This idea goes back 8 years... imagine what other projects are in similar development right now...

I can easily imagine that. A good MR requires a lot of time.

 
 By: amanico : November 26th, 2014-08:34
For them to conceive it, and for us to fund it. ;) Best, Nicolas

Looks and "sounds" fantastic!

 
 By: Fricks : November 26th, 2014-07:52
Can't wait to have more info about it. Thanks for sharing

My pleasure! [nt]

 
 By: MichaelC : November 26th, 2014-07:55

All I can say for now ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : November 26th, 2014-07:53
I like what I see and I am looking forward to more details, soundfiles or even better to see it in the metal. Oliver ps: Links don´t work, at least those I tried.

The visual aesthetics of this new Concept are superb

 
 By: MichaelC : November 26th, 2014-07:57
It is a super look for the Concept. But the mechanical properties of the new minute repeater... this is what I am very excited about. The AP link works, I'll check the others, thanks Oliver!

'Concept' cool and I love the innovation and technology...

 
 By: cory : November 26th, 2014-15:43
Would love to see and hear this watch. Well done AP.

Acoustic sound...

 
 By: cory : November 26th, 2014-15:48
How will the acoustic sound project out from the watch? Will it have some sort of speaker on the side!? So intrigued as to the workings of this one. Exciting.

Nothing better than a AP that chimes.

 
 By: JerryW : November 27th, 2014-20:12
I look forward to learning more about the new technology. JerryW