Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon

ED209 · 2014-05-24T00:06:43Z

Hands-on review of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon. Explore its design, features, and wearability with detailed photos and video.

The new 2014 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon is a stunning watch and the white ceramic bezel, white crown, pusher, and white rubber strap looks eye catching in all the pictures I've seen here on PuristSPro.
I haven't handled the new novelties yet, but it reminded me of the previous version with the black ceramic bezel. While I was at my AD I was able to spend some wrist time with the black version.

I love the case design and find it a nice evolution of the Royal Oak case. The angles look great and have a futuristic look but still pairs well with the signature Royal Oak bezel. Unfortunately for me, the case is too long to fit on my small wrists. The specs from AP has the case width as 44mm and thickness of 16.06mm.
Here's a pic of me trying to squeeze and bend the rubberized strap to make it fit. But I do like the color contrast between the alternating brushed and polished black ceramic bezel, compared to the greyish colored sand blasted titanium case.

I also like the overall details on the Concept GMT Tourbillon. The crown and pusher button are made of black ceramic to match the bezel. This AP definitely has a presence on the wrist compared to my 39mm Royal Oak skeletonized perpetual calendar.

I like the overall layout on the dial side. The tourbillon is located at the 9 o'clock position and it balances nicely with the GMT subdial at the 3 o'clock position.

The pusher that is located on the lower part of the case below the crown is used to make adjustments to the GMT function. The hour and minute hands are large and easy to read, and have small strips of luminous material. Along the rehaut has square luminous markers to indicate 5 minute markers. I also like the use of black colored anodized aluminum bridges.

At the 6 o'clock position there is a subdial that is marked with H, N, and R. This is used to show the position of the crown.

Another detail that I really liked was the AP folding clasp. The shape and angles of the buckle reminds me of a Stealth Fighter and has really cool lines. I prefer folding clasps over tang buckles and this one opened and closed solidly. The black rubberized strap has the same feel of the AP Offshore Rubberclad.

Here's another picture of the brushed titanium buckle from another angle.

It was hard to take pictures due to the lighting and I wanted to spend more wrist time with the watch. But I think it's a little easier to see the overall design of this Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon with this video I made. You can see all the angles and details. In the video you can see how reflective the black ceramic is compared to the brushed finishes of the titanium. I love how it sparkles for such a dark colored watch.

So what do you think of this previous version black ceramic version compared to the newer white ceramic? Are there any color combinations that you would like to see in future version? Or even other movements or complications?
I hope to be able to see both versions side by side soon.

Regards,
ED-209

The Discussion

KIH

May 24, 2014

.. just a great watch to wear... Thanks for nice video, Ed! Ken

MichaelC

May 24, 2014

The RO Concept GMT is a superb watch with an excellent and unique design.

el1125

May 24, 2014

One of the best if not the best out of AP line. On this model, I much prefer this black color combo. It's a watch w 10 day power reserve that you can go swimming, bathing in with a Tourbillion and lightweight. Very futuristic look and design. Love it a lot.

Conkers

May 24, 2014

.....but I prefer the Platinum ROO Tourbillon Chrono model - still waiting to see one in the flesh!

JerryW

May 24, 2014

Although I prefer your skeleton. JerryW

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum