Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept collection reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing traditional horological boundaries with an avant-garde design and sophisticated watchmaking. In 2002, the brand introduced the revolutionary Royal Oak Concept (CW1), encased in the highly rare alloy, Alacrite 602, for the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak as an exploration on what they believed the model could look like in the future.

The original concept watch was built to demonstrate the brand’s technical prowess and master craftsmanship. The robust, angular case’s design roots were clearly the same as the original Royal Oak from 1972, enlarged to a 44mm diameter with sharp facets and two sapphire crystals so the movement was fully exposed.

In 2011, Audemars Piguet released a successor Concept watch - the Concept Tourbillon GMT reference 265601O.OO.D002CA.01.A. Retaining the iconic octagonal-shaped bezel with naked screws, the black bezel is composed of the scratch resistant material ceramic. Encased in a 44mm diameter titanium case with sandblasted finish and a brushed case band, the contrast between the two textures is simply stunning. The dial features the tourbillon-equipped escapement at 9 o’clock and a second time zone indication at 4 o’clock. It features a setting pusher in the case side, and the exceptional function indicator is at 6 o’clock.

The present Concept Tourbillon GMT is preserved in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. The watch is a tribute to the history of the Royal Oak, and to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to excellence in horology.