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The world of haute horlogerie is built on tradition and innovation, but rarely do collectors get to influence the timepieces they admire. Audemars Piguet has changed that with its latest release: the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, designed in collaboration with collectors for the Middle East. This watch is a direct result of a creative exchange between passionate enthusiasts and Swiss craftsmanship.
The idea for this watch took shape in Dubai in June 2022, when Audemars Piguet invited UAE-based collectors to participate in its Create the Extraordinary workshop. The result is a 42mm model that reflects the region’s modern aesthetic, combining advanced materials with an eye-catching design.
At its core, the watch showcases material innovation. The case middle is made from Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon, a material Audemars Piguet introduced in September 2024. The process involves layering tiny carbon fibre fragments with resin, compressing them to remove air bubbles, and curing them under pressure for ten hours in an autoclave. The final result is a carbon block with a unique, organic texture — no two cases are identical. For this special edition, the CFT carbon has metallic bronze hues, adding warmth and contrast to the design.
The black ceramic bezel enhances the modern look, extending to the screw-locked crown and decorative push-piece guards. On the dial, black bridges and pink gold inserts create a striking contrast, drawing attention to the hand-wound Calibre 2978 movement. Fine mesh detailing at 4, 8, and 12 o’clock subtly reveals the mechanics underneath.
The caseback maintains the same level of detail. A black ceramic caseback frame surrounds a pink-gold inner bezel engraved with Royal Oak Concept. Through the sapphire crystal, the movement’s laser-etched decorations mirror the dial’s design, blending precision with craftsmanship.
The watch comes with a black rubber strap but also includes a large square scale alligator strap for a more refined look. The interchangeability system allows wearers to switch between straps with ease, making it adaptable to different occasions.
Limited in production, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Middle East Edition became available from February 2025. Designed with input from collectors, it’s a watch that merges technical expertise with regional influence, marking a new chapter in Audemars Piguet’s history. Seek Beyond.
