Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept First Look

pfang56 · 2023-06-15T13:11:46Z

Explore pfang56's review of the Audemars Piguet Split Second GMT Concept. Discover its innovative case design, wearability, and unique complications.

In this article, pfang56 shares his excitement over acquiring the new Audemars Piguet Split Second GMT Concept, a timepiece he'd been anticipating since the release of the Black Panther. His detailed observations highlight the watch's wearability and unique combination of complications. This piece offers valuable insights into the evolution of AP's Concept case design and its impact on collector preferences.

Hi all,

Really really over the moon on this one!

Just picked up the new split second GMT concept, an incredible piece I've been savoring for a while. To be frank, following the release of the Black Panther I was hopeful to see new models in the new case size, and et voila, trying on the new Concept was a dream come true. I don't have a split seconds in my collection, and certainly travel a lot so the combination with a GMT, a split, in a concept case is nearly perfect. A little curvature on the wrist and the crystal and titanium make it infinitely wearable. Just wish they had Ceramic on the bezel...

Anyway first photos! It's such a thrill!!!

Key Points from the Discussion

The new 43mm Concept case offers significantly improved wearability compared to the previous 44mm Concept models, primarily due to shorter lugs and a curved crystal/bezel design that better conforms to the wrist.
Despite its 17mm thickness, the Split Second GMT Concept feels more wearable than the 44mm GMT Tourbillon (16mm thick) due to its refined case geometry, specifically the shorter lugs and curved crystal/bezel.
The watch features outstanding micro-details, including a sophisticated interplay of brushed and polished surfaces, varied materials on the wings and pushers, and an intricately skeletonized movement reminiscent of the RM011-05.
The quick-change strap system on the new Concept is highly practical and user-friendly, featuring a simple button press for the strap and a lever flick for the buckle, allowing for easy customization.
The Audemars Piguet Split Second GMT Concept is praised for its perfect blend of practicality, modernity, and significant wrist presence, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors.
The new Concept's design, with its improved wrist conformity and quick-change straps, addresses previous comfort issues noted in older GMT Concept models, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Discussion

Thomas_3

Jun 15, 2023

Probably won't slide under that cuff.

Nice watch!!

pfang56

Jun 15, 2023

Ha! No...

And I won't try to wear cuffs so tight ever with this watch. Many thanks!! Peter

s_haverford

Jun 15, 2023

Tim Mosso would say it does not fit nicely under the cuff LOL

pfang56

Jun 16, 2023

Not so nicely...

Doesn't slide under like a Patek with a 240 movement but it fits nonetheless Cheers Peter

Tim_M

Jun 18, 2023

I'm impressed!

Congratulations on this fantastic addition. Best, Tim

pfang56

Jun 18, 2023

Thanks much!

I recall you reviewed a 44mm concept in the past - oddly, the GMT Split has a thickness of 17mm and the GMT Tourbillon is at 16mm and change - yet the Split feels much more wearable. Must be the shorter lugs and the curved bezel/crystal on the Split vs the flat bezel and crystal and super long lugs on the Tourbi. Cheers Peter

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept First Look

Key Points from the Discussion

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