Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

When we think of minute repeaters we traditionally think of them being made from precious metals like gold because of the intrinsic qualities this alloy allows for sound to move in such a manner that it can be further enhanced and amplified. But the latest release of the “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie” has been crafted completely out of ceramic, including its caseback, which is a first in the AP catalog. Ceramic presents a completely different sonic challenge, which among other things required the full ceramic caseback to be designed with slits around the edges to allow the sound to travel out and not be dampened by its ceramic enclosure.The 42 mm case is made of black ceramic with a mix of polished accents and a vertically brushed surface finish. Mounted to the case is AP’s signature octagonal bezel also with a vertical satin-brushed finish and eight exposed white gold screws.

On the flip-side is a solid ceramic caseback engraved with a “sound wave” running across its center portion, while circling around is the “Royal Oak” and “Supersonnerie” inscriptions. Compared to the previous version this has a slimmer profile and less water-resistance capabilities. This is also the brand’s first ever full ceramic caseback, since they usually apply titanium on these parts.We’ve gone over the mechanics of this minute repeater before, but in essence the case construction can enhance the volume it reaches by leveraging several elements. The attachment of the gongs to an interior titanium disc called the “soundboard”, instead of a baseplate, was the key modification. This soundboard effectively resonates with the gongs, generating a more pronounced sound that is subsequently emitted through the openings at the rear of the case. When combined with the nearly noiseless fly-wheel governor, the result is an amplified and easily audible sound, free from any external interference.It comes equipped with a screw-down setting crown adorned with the AP logo. All topped by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance can reach up to 20 meters (65 feet).Time is exhibited on a black dial with the signature Audemar Piguet “Grande Tapisserie” pattern dial and gold applied indices or 13 baguette-cut diamond hour index markers, while circling around the flange is a printed minute track ring.This monochromatic, stealth like color palette imbues this model with a mysterious character. Other than this it has a quite simple layout that offers a quick read at a glance. Besides the aforementioned indicators it also includes a small-seconds counter at the 6 o’clock position with a smooth and snailed interior that contrasts nicely with its surrounding “Grande Tapisserie” pattern. Logo placement has been an area for experimentation in recent releases, but this version has kept it simple with the long-form "Audemars Piguet" logo in white gold. The central white gold hands and hour index markers have all been fitted with a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

The “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie” (Ref#: 26591CE.OO.D002CA.01 with Gold Markers & Ref#: 26591CE.OO.D002CA.02 with Diamond Markers) is powered by the in-house hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber AP 2953 with 32 jewels, 362 parts, and 21,600 Vph. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a black rubber strap, secured to the wrist by a titanium AP folding clasp.For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet website here.

Audemars Piguet, AP, Royal Oak, Minute Repeater, Supersonnerie, Ceramic, Diamonds, Luxury Watches