Born From a Long Lineage
Forged carbon is not exactly a novelty for Audemars Piguet, whose first appearance dates back to 2007 with the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph. Perfect for the Swiss sailing team, forged carbon fibre, in comparison to regular carbon fibre, benefits from higher torsional strength in all directions due to the use of shorter carbon strands and their random configuration. Forged carbon is light and aesthetically pleasing with its dark tones and sporty connotations. Some of the most iconic models from the brand featured this material, including the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer built in collaboration with F1 champion Michael Schumacher in 2015, and the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph QE II Cup in 2016. The Manufacture has spent the last five years in R&D to bring back this material with improvements and an all-new set of creative possibilities. They did not disappoint.
From Concept to Reality
This new high-tech 43mm timepiece pushes the boundaries yet again, featuring patented innovations that have truly revolutionized how forged carbon will be used in the coming years. The use of Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) means that the material is completely non-porous, increasing its overall durability. Factors such as resistance to heat, resistance to humidity, and of course, resistance to shocks, are taken to unprecedented levels by this material. The true party piece, however, is the touches of blue luminescence that Audemars Piguet can now elegantly weave into the material to bring life to the piece. The manufacturing process is far from simple, requiring multiple different steps of handcrafted work. Layer after layer, the artisan will meticulously create what will be, thanks to the human nature of the process, a unique combination of motifs for the wearer. The best part? Audemars Piguet assures us that this is only the beginning.
Yin and Yang
With this new model, Audemars Piguet has also pushed the aesthetics. Its bold electric blue highlights and deep black finishes play with contrasting forces to create one beautiful and highly communicative wristwatch. In the watch, every design choice finds its complementary partner elsewhere. For example, the black ceramic bezel is accompanied by the black ceramic crown, while the titanium push pieces are partnered by several components in the openworked dial. The depth and complexity of the various finishes echo the depth and complexity of the dial, which gives an unobstructed inside view into the very best of what Swiss watchmaking has to offer. Launched first in 2018 in the Code 11.59 collection and in 2023 in the Concept collection, this latest generation Calibre 4407 features a flyback chronograph with a vertical clutch system, split seconds, GMT, and a large date. Finally, and most strikingly, the blue highlights in the case middle complement the details on the dial and the interchangeable rubber strap to perfection.
Saving the Best for Last
When the sun sets below the horizon, this Audemars Piguet plays a magnificent magic trick. Luminescent material is used in the white gold markers and hands which emit blue light as they glow. Combined with the blue accents in the forged carbon, the result is as alluring as a bioluminescent sea, seducing everyone who lays eyes on it.
