Messenger of time: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie

　　A watch function that allows the wearer to tell the time in the dark without looking at the dial, simply by listening to the sounds and number of strikes, is known as a minute repeater. Its striking mechanism comprises numerous tiny components, making the construction complex and manufacturing demands extremely rigorous. The first timepiece equipped with a striking movement was crafted byAudemars Piguetin 1892, and they began mass-producing timepieces with minute repeater complications around 1910. Furthermore, Audemars Piguet remains one of the few watch brands that has never ceased production of striking movements since its inception. Let us take a closer look at this messenger of time.

　　Introduction to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie

　　At SIHH earlier this year, Audemars Piguet unveiled its minute repeater watch, which took eight years in development (in 2006, Audemars Piguet partnered with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) to launch a pioneering acoustic research project for striking watches. Today, this sound-measurement facility is housed within the Audemars Piguet manufacture, featuring professional equipment such as an anechoic chamber and microphone recording setups, completed through a collaborative team of watchmakers, artisans, specialized technicians, and experts from EPFL. Challenges such as the limitations of water resistance on sound propagation were successfully resolved, and the acoustic performance of the watches achieved innovative breakthroughs through scientific research methods)—the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie (reference: 26577TI.OO.D002CA.01). What makes it unique is that this is not merely a striking watch; its design concept stems from the manufacturing principles of string instruments. This acoustic instrument achieves ultimate acoustic performance through a specially designed sound template, where the acoustic strings are securely fixed to a bridge. Plucking the strings causes them to vibrate at a specific frequency, producing a rich and melodic sound. The sound travels via the bridge to a soundboard inside the main body. As the sound propagates through the space surrounding the main body, its amplification effect is further enhanced. In an uninhibited space, a bright and clear striking sound is perfectly rendered, remaining clearly audible even amidst the bustling environment of SIHH.

　　The watch case is crafted from architectural lightweight titanium, measuring 44 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm in thickness. The black mainplate provides a backdrop for the steel striking regulator mechanism. The skeletonised dial showcases the modern technology housed within the watch, offering an unobstructed view of the intricate design of the new movement.

　　The watch incorporates three new patents. First is ultimate harmony: the aim of this collaborative project was to design a steel gong structure using a completely novel approach to create a unique minute-repeating sound. Second is exclusive sound quality; the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie adopts a newly developed case to achieve this. Additionally, based on variations in material cross-section, length, and hardness, the project required the establishment of a scientific performance evaluation system. Today, this performance evaluation system enables watchmakers to determine the correct pitch and tone, assisting them in achieving unique acoustic results when crafting gongs.

　　The unique construction prevents sound loss to achieve an amplification effect. According to traditional production techniques, the gongs of a minute repeater mechanism are fixed directly to the mainplate of the movement. In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, the gongs are mounted on a device made from a special material situated beneath the movement. The gongs transmit the vibrations generated by the hammer strikes directly into this special material device rather than the traditional movement mainplate. This technological innovation acts much like the body of a guitar, enhancing the volume, pitch, and timbre through precise resonance.

　　Third is the aforementioned bright tone: the governor controlling the rhythm of the hours, quarters, and minutes has also been completely redesigned. The gong studs are more flexible and are capable of absorbing background noise generated during the operation of the striking mechanism. Consequently, the brighter and clearer striking sound created by Audemars Piguet watchmakers is perfectly rendered.

　　Unlike traditional striking systems, if no quarter-hours are to be sounded, the pause between the hour and minute strikes can be reduced by up to 50%. Furthermore, a specially designed safety function prevents damage to the movement that could be caused by the wearer adjusting the time display while the striking mode is engaged, while also effectively improving the timekeeping precision of the watch. Alongside the minute repeater function, the watch is equipped with a 30-minute chronograph display and a tourbillon.

　　Having reached this point, I would like to recommend a best-selling Audemars Piguet watch. Interested parties, please add me on WeChat for enquiries.

　　Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Series Watch 15400OR.OO.D002CR.01

　　Review:

　　◆ The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series 41 mm large case possesses a unique contemporary character.

　　◆ Equipped with a Citizen 9015 mechanical movement to provide a precise timekeeping experience.

　　◆ Features an octagonal bezel that creates a subtle contrast between brushed and polished finishes, secured by 8 hexagonal screws just like white gold.

　　◆ Equipped with a screw-locked crown, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback.

　　A water resistance of 50 metres easily handles daily water exposure.

　　Paired with a calfskin strap, it balances a masculine edge with refined elegance, making it ideal for men.

　　Summary: Audemars Piguet watches enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad for their exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship and innovative capabilities. I have also prepared finely crafted Audemars Piguet watches with guaranteed quality for everyone. Friends who wish to purchase, please add WeChat for consultation.

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