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Audemars Piguet · 11 listed

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept for sale in NYC

Royal Oak Concept pieces from Audemars Piguet, including tourbillon, flying tourbillon, GMT and split-seconds chronograph models in titanium, ceramic, forged carbon and gold, many made in limited runs.

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AP's laboratory on the wrist

Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Concept in 2002 for the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The first model, ref. 25980AI, used a case of alacrite 602, a hard cobalt-based alloy, with a titanium bezel, and housed a tourbillon with a dynamograph that displays mainspring torque, plus a function selector. It showed AP's willingness to rethink materials, shapes and movements while keeping the bezel screws that tie it to the Royal Oak.

Design and materials

The Concept has a curved, tonneau-like case that wraps the wrist, larger than a classic Royal Oak, with openworked movements visible from the front. Materials have included titanium, black ceramic, forged carbon and frosted gold. Most come on rubber straps. The look is technical and architectural, with exposed bridges and little solid dial surface, closer in spirit to a concept car than to a dress watch.

Models to know

Beyond the original, the Concept line has included the Laptimer Michael Schumacher, ref. 26221FT, a chronograph that records consecutive lap times; the Concept Flying Tourbillon in titanium and in frosted gold; the Concept GMT Tourbillon; and the Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date. The Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon, made with Marvel, set a sculpted figure inside the open dial. Many of these were produced in limited numbers, and references change across materials and dial colors, so it pays to compare pieces side by side.

Buying advice

Concept watches are complex, and servicing should be done by Audemars Piguet. Ask when the watch was last serviced and whether records exist. Check the open movement for dust or loose debris, and test every function, from a smoothly running tourbillon to clean chronograph pusher action. Inspect ceramic and carbon edges for chips. Box, papers and any limited edition numbering matter a great deal at this level, both for value and for future service.

Prices are listed on every watch. Call or text to see a Royal Oak Concept in person by appointment in the Diamond District in Midtown Manhattan.

Questions

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept questions

How is the Royal Oak Concept different from the regular Royal Oak?

The Royal Oak is a slim integrated sports watch, usually on a bracelet. The Concept is larger, uses a curved case and advanced materials, and nearly always houses a complication such as a tourbillon or a split-seconds chronograph with an open movement. It keeps the bezel screws but little else. It is made in far smaller numbers and sits at a much higher price.

Is a Royal Oak Concept practical to wear?

Many owners wear theirs regularly. Titanium, ceramic and forged carbon keep the watches lighter than their size suggests, and rubber straps are comfortable. These are complicated movements, though, so avoid hard knocks and strong magnets, and plan on servicing with AP. Water resistance varies by model, so check the specification for the exact reference before swimming.

Why do box and papers matter so much on a Concept?

These are rare, high complication watches, often from limited runs. Original papers confirm the reference, case number and date of sale, and they help with service and resale. Limited editions may carry numbered casebacks and specific packaging. A Concept without papers can still be correct, but buyers will expect a deeper inspection and a lower price.

What is the Concept Laptimer?

The Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher, ref. 26221FT, is a chronograph built to time consecutive laps. A dedicated pusher stops one lap time and starts the next at once, a function aimed at motorsport. It was developed with the racing driver and comes in a forged carbon case. It remains one of the most technically interesting Concept models.

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