The Audemars Piguet Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon Chronograph
Audemars Piguet are considered by some in the industry to be the brand who first used the term “concept” watch and with the creation of their latest piece the Carbon One Toubillon Chronograph they have proved themselves once again to be masters in the art of blending the traditions of haute horology with supreme innovation. Years of research and development by the designers and innovators at Le Brassus and Le Locle are evident in both the use of high tech materials and the three-dimensional dial design in this their latest creation.
This exclusive timepiece is constructed from a powerful combination of cutting-edge materials - eloxed aluminium and blackened steel for the bridges, black ceramic for the bezel, crown and chronograph push pieces and forged carbon for the watchcase. The latter, an extremely strong yet light material is another Audemars Piguet exclusive developed by the brand and used in the 2008 Royal Oak Concept Carbon watch - “forged” refers to the process of pressing and moulding together the separate pieces of carbon wire resulting in a high quality material with a unique texture and ultimately extremely lightweight - the Millenary Carbon One weighs only 69.44 grams.
The high level of construction is not merely confined to the robustly designed watchcase, part of the appeal of this watch is the ability to view the layers of assembled parts through the open worked three-dimensional dial. Although primarily black in colour, white and red detailing on the hour markers, hands and chronograph counter lend the subtle contrast required to complete this stunning piece.
The movement is the AP Calibre 2884, a complex piece of craftsmanship featuring a tourbillon, column-wheel chronograph mechanism and twin barrels, the assembly of which takes more than two weeks. Presented on a hand-sewn crocodile leather strap with the AP folding clasp the Audemars Piguet Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon is water resistant to 20 metres and is a limited edition release of 120 pieces
