The last watch we discussed was the BVLGARI OCTO, and now we’re talking about the Royal Oak, another design “legacy” from Gerald Genta. The first Royal Oak was designed by Gerald Genta in 1972 and was the world’s first high-end watch to feature a stainless steel case. It is known for its octagonal bezel and the eight hexagonal screws that characterize its design.
The 2014 Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon is actually an updated version of the 2012 model, with a change in material. The bezel and bridges are now made from white ceramic, replacing the previous black carbon fiber ceramic, giving the watch a more elegant and distinctive look. The layout of the skeletonized dial remains unchanged from the original: the second time zone disc is located at 3 o’clock, which can be adjusted by pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock; the crown function indicator is at 6 o’clock, with H/N/R indicating “time adjustment/none/winding” status.
At 12 o’clock, the tourbillon rotates fully every 60 seconds, and the tourbillon frame is made up of 85 parts, weighing only 0.45 grams. The movement is the manual winding Caliber 2930, with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The dual barrels provide an impressive 237 hours of power reserve, which is a remarkable feature for a manual-winding watch.
Finally, let’s talk about the white ceramic bezel. According to Audemars Piguet’s official explanation, the challenge lies in maintaining the sharp edge of the bezel while ensuring the curves are smooth and flowing, and the brushed finish is also a technical challenge. Because white ceramic is highly scratch-resistant, making the bezel takes 8 hours, while a stainless steel one would only require 45 minutes.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon Watch
Titanium case, white ceramic bezel, 44mm diameter, skeletonized dial, white gold hands, sapphire crystal front and back, AP 2930 manual-winding movement, 29 jewels, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 237 hours power reserve, white rubber strap, titanium AP folding clasp.
Functions: Tourbillon, 24-hour GMT, day-night display, crown function indicator.
