Audemars Piguet Celebrates 20 Years of the Royal Oak Concept Collection
Green hues, a GMT complication, and a flying tourbillon help mark the anniversary
Written by Theo Baker
January 6, 2023
In 2002, Audemars Piguet launched the Concept line to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The collection has since become known as the home to experimental Royal Oaks, most frequently seeing its updates with tech-chic limited-edition models. This year, the divergent Concept line is now celebrating its 20-year anniversary with the new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT. Complete with an all-new colorway and impressive flying tourbillon, the watch is the ultimate expression of the identity of the collection.
The new watch’s exterior features a 44mm sandblasted titanium case with a screw-locked crown protected by sandblasted titanium guards, as well as a green ceramic push piece to assist in quick operation of the GMT. The bezel sports the hallmark octagonal Royal Oak design and is made from the novel, deep green ceramic, with titanium bezel screws highlighting the style. Completing the design, the watch is presented on a green rubber strap that both complements the bezel and is textured to mimic the sandblasted finishing of the case.
Beneath glare-proof sapphire crystal is a skeletonized dial layout that emphasizes the mechanical credentials of the watch. An impressive flying tourbillon sits at the 9 o’clock, with it featuring rose gold detailing that’s complemented by rose gold hands and other precious metal details throughout the dial. At 3 o’clock a pair of discs indicate a second time zone, while towards the 6 o’clock mark you can find an indicator of the watch’s crown’s position, each of these adding to the experimental display of the novelty as well to the watch’s utility.
Powering the Concept watch is the AP caliber 2954, a hand-wound movement offering an impressive 237-hour (10-day) power reserve. The tourbillon-equipped mechanism is finished incredibly finely, with its various rose gold accents visible on the dial side, while flipping the watch over reveals the movement’s dark and sporty aesthetic, as seen via an exhibition caseback.
If you’d like to add the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT (ref. 26589IO.OO.D056CA.01) to your collection, it is available in select boutiques by appointment, with pricing marked at CHF 198,900 (approximately $202,800).
