Audemars Piguet Introduces It's New Royal Oak Minute Repeater 'Supersonnerie'

Titanium seems to be the play for Audemars Piguet this year. With the definite theme being Titanium in the release of their new Perpetual Calendar, as well as the earlier release of Titanium in their newest Royal Oak Offshore models, it’s not difficult to see where the brand is going with their new releases - Leaner and Lighter. And the new Royal Oak Minute Repeater is no exception.

THE BASICS:

Brand: Audemars Piguet

Model: Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

Case Material: Titanium

Case Size: 42mm

Water Resistance: 100m for all.

Movement: AP in-house Calibre 2953

Strap Options: Titanium Bracelet

THE JUICE:

This isn’t the first time a Minute Repeater complication has been introduced into the Royal Oak. I have noticed a number of publications state that “this is the first”. It’s technically not. In 2016 Audemars Piguet showcased the ‘Supersonnerie’ in a Royal Oak watch in the Concept collection. This was cool, and unique in that there isn’t many instances of a Minute Repeater in a sports watch - much less one in AP’s catalogue.

The Supersonnerie movement is unique in that the underlying technology allows for a typically quieter noise to resonate deeper and with more volume - similar to a pocket watch - except in a 42mm case. The movement also 72 hour power reserve, a significant feat for a Minute Repeater.

The Titanium case is said to provide a better sound than gold or steel, and when the Repeater mechanism is slip up from the left side of the case, the chime initiates - so no pesky screw or twist pusher to mess with (I won’t name names but…). The smoked grey Grande Tapisserie textured dial with small seconds is a first for the complicaiton and is, quite frankly, gorgeous.

Overall, this will prove to be a successful model for the brand. It’s complicated, yet traditional enough that collectors will be clammering to get their hands on it.

How much is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater?

Well? It’s going to run you about 350,000 CHF.