In February 2023, Swiss high-end watchmaking brand Audemars Piguet ushered in an epoch-making moment in the Royal Oak Concept series, launching the first self-winding double rattrapante flyback chronograph. The new copy watch combines the essence of the cutting-edge technology of the series, once again pushing futuristic design, ergonomic concepts and excellent performance to a new level. This is also the first time that this series uses a 43mm diameter case and interchangeable straps, injecting more dynamics and vitality. The construction of the titanium case combines modern style and layered beauty, showing a fascinating texture, depth layering and interplay of light and shadow. The duplicate timepiece is equipped with the newly developed Caliber 4407 self-winding movement. Through the sapphire crystal bottom, the intricate micro-mechanical structure inside the movement can be seen. The double split-seconds chronograph device is cleverly embedded in the fixed ball bearing of the automatic rotor and is displayed under the transparent watch for the first time. The Royal Oak Concept series, after more than 20 years of continuous innovation, has become a pioneer that demonstrates Audemars Piguet’s R&D strength.
The sandblasted titanium insert cleverly combines sharp edges and soft rounded shapes to form an eye-catching raised part on the watch. Above the sandblasted case is covered Audemars Piguet’s signature satin-brushed octagonal bezel, whose rounded outline complements polished chamfers. Through the clever alternation of satin brushing, sandblasting and polishing processes, the watch is given a more delicate texture and eye-catching light and shadow effects.
The imitation watch’s screw-in crown and buttons are made of black ceramic, continuing the series’ unique tough line design. At 2 o’clock, 4 o’clock and 9 o’clock, the buttons are ingeniously fixed by the three-dimensional button guard bridge. Its surface is cleverly processed by sandblasting, satin brushing and polished chamfering, which complements the finishing effect of the case. .
“This self-winding split-seconds chronograph shows exquisite design ingenuity from the inside out. The complex functions contained in it demonstrate unprecedented technological breakthroughs, and are mounted on the futuristic Royal Oak Concept series case. Inside.”——Anne-Gaëlle Quinet(Head of Complications Department at Audemars Piguet)
Double rattrapante flyback chronograph function that brings together advanced technology
The new replica luxury watch shows a deep modern style and exudes a strong fashion atmosphere from the inside out. The unique Royal Oak Concept series case is equipped with the first-ever Caliber 4407 automatic winding movement, which perfectly integrates flyback chronograph, double rattrapante chronograph, dual time and large calendar display functions, forming a It is an outstanding work of integrated mechanical structure and industrial technology. This also marks the first time that Audemars Piguet has put this type of movement into mass production, based on Audemars Piguet’s latest generation integrated flyback chronograph movement Caliber 4401, which led the trend in 2019 with the launch of the CODE 11.59 series.
Unlike conventional chronograph movements, the flyback function can directly reset to zero and restart timing without stopping the chronograph function first. The column wheel and the vertical clutch mechanism work together to ensure that the chronograph hands will not shake when starting or stopping the timing. In addition, the patented zero-return mechanism ensures that the chronograph hands and rattrapante hands return to zero at the same time.
When you press the dedicated double rattrapante chronograph button, you can observe the operation of the unique timing mechanism. The rattrapante seconds hand stops immediately, while the chronograph seconds hand continues to run, measuring short intervals in between. Press the button again, and the chasing seconds hand will instantly catch up with the moving hands and run synchronously with the hands on the dial. This iterative process can be done as desired. It is worth mentioning that the button at 9 o’clock cleverly pays tribute to the Royal Oak Concept series lap chronograph that came out in 2015. At that time, it was the world’s first mechanical watch capable of continuous lap timing. It was an innovative work launched in collaboration between Audemars Piguet and racing star Michael Schumacher. In order to reduce the thickness of the movement, the double rattrapante mechanism is cleverly embedded in the ball bearing of the semi-peripheral oscillating weight, and its delicate structure is clearly displayed through the sapphire crystal case back. Normally, the split-seconds mechanism is hidden from view in automatic watches, but this timepiece uses the same design as pocket watches and manual winding watches, revealing its appearance to the observer – through the fixed From the X-shaped bridge of the titanium automatic oscillating weight, you can clearly see the central double rattrapante chronograph wheel and two clamps.
This cutting-edge technology watch also has a dual time function, which is an important feature of the Royal Oak Concept series of watches. The dual time day and night display at 3 o’clock can clearly indicate the time in the second time zone at a glance. The coaxial crown button also located at 3 o’clock can be used to adjust the time (each press represents an hour adjustment). The two-place time mechanism is based on discs and hands with different rotational speeds – the hour hand rotates once every 12 hours; the day and night display disc rotates once every 24 hours, with the white half representing day and the black half representing night.
The large calendar window at 12 o’clock uses digital display, which makes reading more clear, and is harmoniously symmetrical with the small seconds dial at 6 o’clock.
While integrating many advanced functions, Caliber 4407 movement also continues the exquisite watchmaking tradition. Through the sapphire crystal case back, you can admire the elegant fine watchmaking decorative details, including sandblasting, round satin finish, pearl dot pattern and polished chamfering.
Two-tone skeleton dial
The hollow dial is shaped like a movement bridge, showing us the complex and delicate micro-mechanical structure inside. The circular window is cut from a single piece of German silver plate, the surface is sandblasted and covered with a black PVD coating, while the rhodium-colored chamfered bevel is polished and ground. This strong color contrast not only injects architectural beauty into this sports watch, but also gives it a profound sense of layering and light and shadow changes. The dial design without the brand logo highlights this sharp contrast effect.
White gold hands and hour markers, as well as white transferred numerals surrounding the dial, further highlight the watch’s two-tone aesthetic. The time scales, hands, chronograph sub-dial, large calendar display window and dual time day and night display panel are all covered with fluorescent coating, which is clear and easy to read even in the dark. The chronograph hands and dual time zone hands are decorated with red and yellow details respectively, injecting subtle color vitality into the watch. The black inner bezel is printed with a white speedometer scale, making the overall design more coordinated.