Forged Carbon Royal Oak Concept: A Watch That Breaks Boundaries
While watch brands are mostly playing it safe by either using Stainless Steel or any of the precious metals, AP has been daring enough to think outside the box. We have had some really great-looking Ceramic AP watches in the past and now it is time to welcome Forged Carbon watch cases. The all-new AP reference 26650FO.OO.D353CA.0.
Even though this watch is breaking the news, this is not the first timepiece from the house of Audemars Piguet to take advantage of the Forged Carbon material. Instead, it was back in 2007 when the first Forged Carbon watch was introduced by the Swiss watchmaking brand. However, they have not used this material in the last 8 years. Well, these 8 years have been crucial as they have given AP the time to really make a better design using the material.
What is Forged Carbon, to begin with?
Yes, it is always fascinating to read about a new watch release but I am sure you are wondering what Forged Carbon is and how it is beneficial. Forged carbon is created by compressing carbon fibers with a resin at high temperatures and pressures. This process results in a material that is both lightweight and incredibly strong. The carbon fibers are randomly oriented, giving forged carbon a distinctive, marbled appearance that is both modern and visually striking.
Chroma Forged Technology: Taking things one step ahead
For this new Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, AP is taking advantage of a CFT or Chroma Forged Technology. This uses colored forged carbon and also brings luminescent pigments. Patented by AP, this technology allows the brand to add color to the carbon and give the watch a real distinctive look. The choice of color with this reference 26650FO.OO.D353CA.0 is blue and I have to say it looks absolutely stunning.
As mentioned earlier, this CFT also adds luminescent pigments, which means that this watch has the ability to glow in the dark.
ROC Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date
Let’s take a break from admiring the new Chroma Forged Technology and actually look at the watch. The black carbon timepiece is paired with a blue rubber strap that goes really well with the blue accents on the case and the dial. Being a ROC, this one does get a skeleton dial with the Chronograph sub-dials on it. Besides being a concept watch, AP also wanted to make it practical and hence they added a date window to it as well. Lastly, they have even added a GMT function allowing you to track multiple time zones at once. You are looking at all this on a rather larger 43mm dial.
All of this has been made possible with the use of the Calibre 4407 which has a total of 638 parts in it. With 73 jewels in it, the automatic self-winding movement offers a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
Also Read: Audemars Piguet Releases Three New Summer Edition Watches
The same watch is also available in a Titanium case with the reference number 26650TI.OO.D013CA.01.
Audemars Piguet continues to lead the way in haute horlogerie with the launch of the Forged Carbon variant of the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date. This watch is not just a timepiece but a work of art that showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation.
