Audemars Piguet presents the first watch with a carbon case that lights up on its own

Audemars Piguet launches a new watch in the Concept collection.

The new Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date represents a true revolution in material development, and not just for Audemars Piguet itself. Other watch manufacturers are also likely to be looking to the Swiss Le Brassus these days, because the use of Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon is setting new standards in haute horlogerie. (Read more: The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green pays homage to British motorsport)

At Audemars Piguet, technical know-how goes hand in hand with sophisticated design

The skeletonized dial of the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, designed like the bridge of a watch movement, features precisely machined openings that allow insight into the mechanics. A sandblasted nickel silver plate with black PVD-finished circles and diamond-polished, rhodium-plated bevels provides a certain depth and exciting play of light. The blue accents in the center of the case are reflected more broadly in the inner bezel and counters, creating contrasts with the gray and black shades and improving readability.

White gold hour indices and hands are filled with a luminescent material that glows blue in the dark. White gradations on the tachymeter scale and the counters complete the design. The blue rubber strap also fits harmoniously into the overall picture, while the famous AP screws on the bezel complete the design. (Also interesting: Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Sport – a watch for every challenge)

Beneath the futuristic facade of the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date lies the self-winding caliber 4407. With functions such as flyback chronograph, split seconds, GMT and a large date display, the movement brings all the watchmaking art that Audemars Piguet has to offer to the wrist.