For 2014, the Royal Oak Concept watch by Audemars Piguet makes a return. Originally released in 2002, the Royal Oak Concept was penned as an ultra-modern version of the Royal Oak on the 30th Anniversary of the famed Gerald Genta-designed luxury sport watch. aBlogtoWatch covered the last version of the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon in 2011 here. The 2014 version is more “summery” than any of the previous models, featuring a titanium case and light white ceramic (for the bezel, crown, pusher, and hourglass-shaped structure on the movement). Inside the watch is the revised original movement with the new Audemars Piguet caliber 2930. The case is 44mm wide but wears quite large due to the large lug structures.

In addition to the modern design, the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon has some interesting features. There is, of course the tourbillon to the left, and to the right is a GMT disc offering a second time zone. The movement has a long power reserve of 10 days between two barrels. Also, the movement has a function selector combined with a fixed crown. The pusher on the case is used to cycle between the crown being used to wind, set the time, or be in a neutral position. While no price has been announced yet for the 2014 version, the last Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon watch retailed for $213,300. audemarspiguet.com

Tech Specs from Audemars Piguet

Movement

Calibre 2930, hand-wound manufacture
Total diameter: 35.60mm (15 ¾ lines)
Thickness: 9.90mm
Number of jewels: 29
Number of parts: 291
Power reserve: 237h
Frequency of balance wheel: 3Hz (21,600vph)
White ceramic upper bridge
Finishing: hand-finished bridges and mainplate, hand finished cut-out parts, polished angles, hand-drawn file strokes on upper surface and matt finish beneath.

Case

Titanium case
Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback
White ceramic bezel
Screw-locked crown and white ceramic pushpiece
Water-resistant to 100m

Display

Openworked
Second time-zone indicator at 3 o’clock
Crown position indicator at 6 o’clock
Tourbillon at 9 o’clock with black anodized aluminium bridge
White gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating
Black anodized aluminium inner bezel

Bracelet

White rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp

Function

24-hour GMT display
Day and night indicator
Functions selection
Hours and minutes

Reference

RO 26580IO OO D010CA SDT