Introducing a New Execution of the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in Titanium

Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in Titanium, Ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03

The present generation of the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie was introduced in 2019 in a titanium version — case and bracelet — with a blue “Grande Tapisserie” dial and in a platinum version — platinum case on an alligator strap — with a black “Grande Tapisserie” dial. Both these executions were limited to just 20 pieces. The lineup got the superbly desirable titanium addition with a salmon dial late in 2020, which was limited to 35 pieces. Today, Audemars Piguet has dropped yet another titanium version with a smoked grey “Grande Tapisserie” dial, save for the fact that this one, doesn’t have a limitation listed.

Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in platinum, ref. 26591PT.OO.D002CR.01; limited edition of 20 pieces
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in platinum, ref. 26591PT.OO.D002CR.01; limited edition of 20 pieces
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.01; limited edition of 20 pieces
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.01; limited edition of 20 pieces
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.0; limited edition of 35 pieces
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.0; limited edition of 35 pieces

At 42mm, the watch follows the formfactor of the other variations released and has a smoked grey “Grande Tapisserie” dial that progressively becomes darker as it reaches towards the perimeter of the dial. The real talking point about the watch though is the Supersonnerie mechanism, initially developed and launched in 2016 in the Royal Oak Concept collection, which gives the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie the volume and resonance typically associated with pocket watches.

What gave the 2016 Supersonnerie mechanism these qualities, starts with the patented gongs, case construction and striking regulator. Here the gongs are not attached to the mainplate and are instead mounted to a new device that acts as a soundboard that improves sound transmission and boosts sound amplification.

Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03

Next is the striking regulator, redesigned to incorporate an innovative, more flexible anchor system which absorbs shocks and eliminates unwanted noise. There’s also the mechanical modification of the chiming sequence that manages to mediate the quarter-hour pause between the chiming of the minutes and the hours, in the instances when the time does not require the striking of the quarter hours. Lastly, the mechanism also has a security function that prevents the wearer from activating the hand-setting function while the minute repeater mechanism is striking.

All of these are now adapted and incorporated into the hand-wound calibre 2953, which gives life to the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie. Now, while there isn’t a limitation number attached to today’s launch, it’s safe to say that the watch will be highly limited by production and availability.

Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in titanium, ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.03

Tech Specs

Movement: Hand-wound Calibre 2953; minute repeater Supersonnerie; hours, minutes and small seconds; minimum guaranteed power reserve 72 hours

Case & Dial: 42mm titanium case, glare proofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown, water-resistant to 50m; smoked grey dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, black small seconds counter, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, black inner bezel

Bracelet: Titanium bracelet with AP folding clasp

Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked, Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01

The Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked was first introduced as a unique execution for Only Watch in 2019, with an opaline silver-toned inner bezel. Later this watch was made as a production piece, now with a grey lacquered inner bezel.

Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition (©Revolution)
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition (©Revolution)

Now the watch has been reimagined with a lacquered black inner bezel, in a pink gold — case and bezel. Often lauded as one of the best-looking complications within the Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet family, and this new addition is no exception.

Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked, Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01
Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked, Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01
Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked, Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01

Speaking about the introduction, Michael Friedman, Head of Complications at Audemars Piguet shares, “The architectural nature of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet makes it the ideal canvas for complex and openworked mechanisms, as the case and movement seamlessly blend into a unified aesthetic. Taking inspiration from the 2019 Only Watch unique piece, the new 26600CR openworked tourbillon features a multi-toned grey openworked movement housed within a white gold case with a pink gold octagonal middle case. The entire creation is an expression of hand-finishing and contemporary design that can only be achieved when our talented watchmakers, craftspeople, technicians, engineers and product experts work hand-in-hand on behalf of our clients that expect the extraordinary.”

Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked, Ref. 26600CR.OO.D009KB.01

Tech Specs

Movement: Hand-Wound Calibre 2948; tourbillon, hours and minutes; minimum power reserve guaranteed 72 h

Case & Dial: 41mm 18-carat white gold bezel, lugs, push-pieces and crown, 18-carat pink gold middle case, double curved glare proofed sapphire crystal, glare proofed sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m; slate grey lacquered inner bezel and 18-carat pink gold hands

Strap: Slate grey rubber-coated strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp

More information: audemarspiguet.com

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