The Royal Oak Concept collection has always represented Audemars Piguet's most uninhibited creative expression—a laboratory for horological experimentation where traditional constraints are willingly abandoned. With the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date reference 26650TI.OO.D013CA.01, launched in 2023, AP achieved something genuinely remarkable by integrating one of haute horlogerie's most complex complications—also present on the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer—into a thoroughly modern execution that prioritizes both mechanical ingenuity and wearability.
This is only the second split-seconds chronograph wristwatch that Audemars Piguet has ever created, and the engineering solution they've employed represents a genuine first in watchmaking history. The split-seconds mechanism has been entirely integrated into the thickness of the oscillating weight, making it visible from the case back rather than layered atop the movement as convention dictates. No other self-winding watch has ever achieved this architectural innovation; therefore, this is the most technically audacious Royal Oak Concept yet.
Things to Know About the Watch
The 43 mm titanium case measures 17.4 mm in thickness—quite thick—considering the mechanical architecture contained within. Titanium's strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for an active-wear watch, despite its haute horlogerie credentials. Black ceramic pushers—split-seconds pusher at 9 o’clock—and a black ceramic screw-down crown reinforce the aesthetic and guarantee 50-meter water resistance.
The openworked dial creates a three-dimensional stage for the mechanical performance within. A black inner bezel frames the architecture, while white gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands with a luminescent coating ensure legibility despite visual complexity. The dial layout positions every subdial and indicator to create visual balance, but unfortunately, the watch has a busy look and is somewhat hard to read. However, the yellow and red accents help to some degree. The large date aperture—new in this reference and never used before by AP—, the GMT day-night indication with a day/night indicator built into the axis of the yellow GMT-hand, and the chronograph subdials are tough to read against the openworked dial.
However, what makes this Royal Oak Concept particularly compelling from a collector's perspective is its combination of genuine technical innovation with practical utility, rather than mere looks. Usually, split-seconds chronographs are traditionally dressy complications that are seen as delicate and reserved for special occasions. By housing this complication in a contemporary titanium case with a rubber strap, Audemars Piguet has created something far more versatile. This is a haute horlogerie complication you can actually wear while traveling, precisely the point of including the GMT function with a day/night indicator at 3 o’clock.
The interchangeable strap system—finally adopted by AP a few years ago—allows the wearer to switch from the black-and-grey rubber strap that comes standard with the watch to a yellow or red rubber alternative using a quick-release system that requires no tools.
The Movement
The calibre 4407 powering ref. 26650TI.OO.D013CA.01 comprises 638 individual components and 73 jewels, all working in concert to deliver the split-seconds chronograph function, a GMT day-night indicator, and a large date display. The movement operates at 28,800 vph—4Hz—with a substantial 70-hour power reserve, impressive given the mechanical complexity and energy demands of the rattrapante complication. What Audemars Piguet has accomplished here is the kind of multi-complication integration that serious collectors immediately recognize as exceptional—three useful functions executed with technical brilliance and presented with absolute visual transparency.
On the Wrist & Price
The Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date represents Audemars Piguet at its most technically ambitious. This is not a watch designed to appeal to everyone. At 43 mm in diameter—which wears more like a 45 mm—and a thickness of 17.4 mm, it makes an unequivocal statement on the wrist much bigger than a Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm.
For serious collectors seeking a modern interpretation of one of watchmaking's most prestigious complications, the Royal Oak Concept deserves serious consideration; however, its steep price makes it out of reach for most collectors.
Sticker Price USD 200,000. For more info on Audemars Piguet, click here.
