At SIHH 2016, Audemars Piguet officially unveiled the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, the production version of the “Acoustic Research” concept minute repeater first revealed in 2015. This launch marks the culmination of AP’s extensive acoustic research, achieving a level of sound clarity and volume sufficient for series production—earning it the title of the brand’s loudest and most resonant minute repeater to date.Although renamed “Supersonnerie,” the movement architecture remains largely unchanged from the original prototype. The minute repeater mechanism was co-developed by Audemars Piguet and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The system uses hardened steel gongs inspired by the resonance of string instruments: the gongs are mounted directly onto the case body, with a resonance soundboard inside the case amplifying the tone and volume.
This configuration significantly enhances both sound projection and tonal quality—and remarkably, it maintains this acoustic excellence even with a 20-meter water resistance rating, allowing the chimes to be clearly heard by others nearby.The watch retains its 44mm titanium case and bezel, with a black openworked dial. The layout includes a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock and a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. One of the few aesthetic updates from the 2015 concept is the addition of yellow minute markings, improving legibility for both time and chronograph readings.
Inside is the Caliber 2937 manual-winding movement, composed of 478 parts and offering a 42-hour power reserve—a typical limitation among minute repeater movements due to their complex energy demands.
Price: Not yet announced.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie Tourbillon Chronograph Minute Repeater
Case: Titanium, Diameter: 44 mm, Bezel: Titanium,Crown: Black ceramic screw-down crown, Dial: Black openworked,Movement: Caliber 2937 manual-winding,Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz),Power reserve: 42 hours,Strap: Rubber with titanium folding clasp, Water resistance: 30 meters.
Complications: Chronograph, Tourbillon, Minute Repeater
