With a second time zone indication and a flying tourbillon comes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT ref. 26589IO.OO.D002CA.01 with its asymmetric look and contemporary architecture with redesigned bridges. In a first for the brand comes the fully revealed flying tourbillon at 9 o'clock enhanced by the powerful mix of a sandblasted titanium case and a black ceramic bezel. The first AP Royal Oak Concept was launched in 2002 as ref. 25980AI.OO.0003SU.01 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Royal Oak in a limited edition of 150 pieces. Then in 2011, AP launched the first Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon ref. 26560IO.OO.D002CA.01 which you can read about here.
Things to Know About the Watch
With a redesigned bridge construction the sandblasted titanium dial with applied pink gold toned inserts conveys a new, more faceted architecture. The dial features a second time zone indicator at 3 o’clock on a sapphire disc, crown position indicator at 6 o’clock, flying tourbillon at 9 o’clock, white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating and black inner bezel with white minute track. Equipped with a 44 mm case that in reality wears more like a 45 or even a 47 mm case, the construction is sturdy and robust at 16.1 mm in thickness. Delivered on a black rubber strap with sandblasted titanium AP folding clasp, this watch is as sporty and manly as it gets. There are statement watches and then there's the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT we have here.
The Movement
Powered by the same calibre 2954 powering the previous Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon GMTs, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT comes with a 10-day power reserve while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. This 24-jewel movement composed of 348 parts comes with asignificant modification in terms of its central bridges. The central bridges were formerly made of ceramic and now have been replaced by sandblasted black titanium highlighted by pink gold toned polished angles. Additionally, the HNR crown position indicator —previously fitted with a small hand— has been replaced with a disc for better integration into the new movement aesthetics. Water resistant to 100 meters, the movement is fully visible via the display case back.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size and with unparalleled wrist presence. This new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT is at another level and one of those watches that if you're fortunate to own, needs no introduction when you are surrounded by those that know. A statement piece from top to bottom and more worthy of its price tag than an entry level Richard Mille.
Sticker Price $172,500 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
