Audemars Piguet releases forged carbon Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date

SINGAPORE – Amid the excitement of the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 over the weekend, watch enthusiasts and journalists caught their own thrills with Audemars Piguet’s (AP) latest release.

In a global launch in the little red dot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker unveiled its 43mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date at Monti Italian restaurant on Sept 20.

This new model (185,000 Swiss francs, about S$282,000) marks the return of forged carbon, now enhanced with the brand’s cutting-edge Chroma Forged Technology (CFT).

Forged carbon – known for being lightweight, strong and durable – is created by mixing carbon-fibre strands with resin and heating them under pressure.

AP first introduced this innovation in 2007, with the world’s first forged carbon timepiece made to celebrate its sponsorship of the Swiss team in the America’s Cup sailing competition.

Developed over five years in the luxury watchmaker’s R&D workshops, CFT introduces a ground-breaking method that allows the carbon fibres to be coloured, and not just the resin that binds them.

This means not just exciting design possibilities, but also unprecedented durability. The new carbon is resistant to heat, humidity, shocks and even scratches, thanks to its lower resin content. Watch enthusiasts can expect a tougher and also more unique piece on their wrists, as each case middle is crafted by hand, resulting in one-of-a-kind patterns.

The case middle is adorned with electric-blue luminescent pigments which glow in the dark. Paired with a black ceramic bezel, crown and push-pieces, the watch rocks a futuristic vibe.

Elevating the look is the blue rubber strap with black accents. Thanks to its interchangeable system, you can effortlessly switch to a second black-and-blue strap, giving the watch even more versatility.

The heart of this Royal Oak Concept is the Calibre 4407, which combines a flyback chronograph, split-seconds function, GMT and large date display. The flyback function allows users to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push, while the split-seconds mechanism allows them to measure intermediate time intervals.

Keeping track of a second time zone is also a cinch, thanks to the GMT function. 

The openworked dial, meanwhile, is a showstopper, featuring circular cut-outs in a black PVD-coated nickel silver plate that reveal glimpses of the movement beneath. PVD refers to physical vapour deposition and is a technique used to deposit thin films of one atom (or one molecule) at a time onto various surfaces.

Electric-blue accents pop against the black and grey tones, boosting both legibility and the watch’s bold, edgy style.

Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green

After last year’s Racing Blue edition, Tag Heuer has introduced the Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, a striking tribute to the model’s roots in motorsport.

First launched in 1969, the Monaco achieved cult status when late Hollywood actor Steve McQueen wore it in Le Mans, a 1971 film which revolves around an autorace on the world’s hardest endurance course.  

This new iteration is faithful to the original’s distinctive square 39mm case. However, it is fashioned from Grade 2 titanium, making it lighter on the wrist compared with its stainless steel predecessors.

The standout feature of this watch – limited to 1,000 pieces – is its dial, which commands attention with striking racing green sub-dials and bold yellow accents on the central seconds hand and the 12 o’clock marker.

Fitted with a matching green leather strap with a vibrant yellow lining, this edition offers a fresh, dynamic twist on a classic design.

The watch’s heart is the Calibre 11 movement, renowned for its signature 9 o’clock crown placement. 
Price: $13,150

Omega Seamaster Regatta

Omega’s latest timepiece – the Seamaster Regatta – is designed to celebrate the 37th America’s Cup and crafted for serious sailors.

Built from Grade 5 titanium, this 46.75mm watch offers both analogue and digital displays, making it a versatile tool for life at sea. Every feature needed for high-speed boat racing has been packed into this timepiece: moonphase indicator, chronograph, sailing logbook, temperature gauge, accelerometer and three alarms.

The dial features an LCD display for quick readability, and its Diver 300M-inspired hands can be cleared for enhanced visibility.

With practicality a priority, the watch boasts four colour-coded pushers for easy navigation, even in rough seas. The Regatta also comes with audio cues, enhanced by a wave-patterned caseback designed for clearer alarm sounds.

The caseback showcases the 37th America’s Cup logo and the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s new Calibre 5701, a multi-functional quartz chronograph movement with a thermo-compensated integrated circuit.

It is fitted with a blue rubber strap with Omega’s patented Quick-Change system.
Price: $10,750

Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 Secrets Watch in Platinum 950

A dazzler on the wrist, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new 101 Secrets watch in Platinum 950 boasts the world’s smallest mechanical movement, the Calibre 101.

Developed in 1929, this minuscule marvel measures just 14mm by 4.8mm, weighs only 1g and has an impressive 33-hour power reserve. Hand assembling the movement takes 40 painstaking hours. 

The dial is artfully hidden behind diamonds, revealed by a hidden button known only to the wearer. The design involved hundreds of hours of research and required 15 areas of expertise.

Shimmering with 1,028 diamonds, the bracelet is crafted to enhance the brilliance of the platinum setting. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s artisans devoted 182 hours to gem-setting, using techniques that ensure each diamond is placed perfectly.
Price: Upon request