Audemars Piguet (AP) has once again pushed the boundaries of luxury watchmaking with the introduction of a dazzling new model in its Royal Oak Concept (ROC) collection— a testament to its commitment to innovation since the line’s inception in 2002. This time, AP takes a bold leap into the future with the unveiling of Chroma Forged Technology (CFT), an entirely new coloured forged carbon material that incorporates luminescent pigments, featured prominently in the new Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT.

After an eight-year hiatus from using forged carbon, AP returns to this advanced material, first introduced to the industry in 2007. Unlike conventional carbon, which is woven, forged carbon utilizes randomly placed shorter strands embedded in resin, resulting in superior strength and resistance—qualities traditionally sought after even in aerospace applications such as helicopter rotor blades. The brand now elevates this remarkable material with its proprietary CFT, which enables the direct coloring of carbon fibers rather than the resin itself, paving the way for exciting new design opportunities.

CFT involves a meticulous process where carbon fibers are cut into small pieces, dyed in a rainbow of colors, and strategically arranged in a mold. This mixture is then layered, compressed to eliminate air bubbles, and cured in an autoclave, ultimately yielding a robust and unique block of carbon.

For its inaugural release using CFT, Audemars Piguet has chosen a striking bright blue hue paired with luminous properties, encasing it within one of its most technically impressive watches, the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT. Sporting a 43mm two-tone black-and-blue case, this watch is defined by its ROC design, complemented by a black ceramic bezel, crown, caseback, and push-pieces. Sandblasted titanium guards enhance its avant-garde aesthetics, while the luminescent pigments transform the watch into an eye-catching piece at night.

Reflecting the same black-and-blue aesthetic, the openworked dial is crafted from a single piece of sandblasted nickel silver, finished with black PVD and diamond-polished rhodium-toned bevels. Blue sub-dials and the absence of a logo create a striking technical appearance, while luminous Super-Luminova (SLN) accents on the hands and large GMT date display enhance visibility under different lighting conditions. Completing the look is a rubber strap mirroring the two-tone design, equipped with a quick interchangeability system and an additional black-and-blue strap for versatility.

Mechanically, this new forged carbon ROC maintains the same internal workings as last year’s titanium model, featuring an in-house calibre 4407. This sophisticated movement is based on the integrated flyback chronograph movement 4401, which was first introduced in the Code 11.59 collection in 2019. Notable features include a column wheel and vertical clutch system, a proprietary zero-reset mechanism, and a split-second chronograph functionality that integrates seamlessly with the rotor design.

In a landscape increasingly defined by both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, Audemars Piguet continues to set the standard for innovative luxury timepieces that don't just tell time but tell a story of artistry and engineering excellence. Are you ready to witness the future of horology?