Audemars Piguet 26227BC.ZZ.D011CR.01 Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon
Introducing a Horological Revolution
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon reference 26227BC.ZZ.D011CR.01 is not merely a watch; it is a bold manifesto. It represents the moment the iconic Royal Oak shattered its own conventions, venturing into the uncharted territory of high-tech, avant-garde design. This timepiece, crafted in lustrous 18-carat white gold, is a wearable expression of architectural daring and mechanical virtuosity, designed for the collector who views timekeeping as the ultimate form of progressive art.
The Anatomy of Avant-Garde: Design & Craftsmanship
At first glance, the Concept’s radical departure is breathtaking. It retains the Royal Oak’s genetic code—the octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws—but reinterprets it through a futuristic lens. The case and integrated bracelet are hewn from solid white gold, offering a weighty, substantial presence that speaks to its precious nature. The true marvel, however, lies within the openworked architecture of the dial.
The face is a mesmerizing labyrinth of bridges and gears, revealing the intricate dance of the mechanical heart beneath. Skeletonized to an extreme degree, it offers a panoramic view of the complex caliber at work. The applied hour-markers float above this mechanical tapestry, while the iconic “Grande Tapisserie” pattern is reimagined as a sleek, open grid. This is a timepiece that celebrates its inner workings, turning the movement into the primary dial.
The Beating Heart: Caliber 2895
Powering this masterpiece is the manually-wound Caliber 2895, a movement built from the ground up for the Concept series. Its centerpiece is the spectacular flying tourbillon at 7 o’clock—a rotating cage that compensates for the effects of gravity on the escapement, showcasing chronometric excellence in motion. The tourbillon bridge, a signature of AP’s technical prowess, is meticulously finished by hand. This sophisticated mechanism is not hidden but proudly displayed as the star of the skeletonized show, a testament to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to both form and function.
An Investment in Exceptional Horology
Owning the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon is an affirmation of taste and vision. It is a limited-production icon that sits at the apex of Audemars Piguet’s technical achievements. As a pre-owned masterpiece, it carries the legacy of innovation and the rarity that serious collectors covet. This watch transcends trends, offering a permanent place in the pantheon of groundbreaking design. It is for the individual who desires not just to tell time, but to wear a piece of horological history on their wrist—a conversation piece that symbolizes the relentless pursuit of what a watch can be.
18-carat white gold case, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, crown set with a translucent sapphire cabochon.
CASE SIZE
38.5 mm
WATER RESISTANCE
20 m
CASE THICKNESS
11.4 mm
BRACELET
Hand-stitched “large square scale” white alligator strap with 18-carat white gold AP folding clasp set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Additional white “constellation” rubber strap.