More than 20 years after the release of the first Royal Oak Concept, the collection continues to offer a pioneering platform of R&D experimentation. The new Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date is no exception. This innovative timepiece sports a new 43 mm three-dimensional titanium case playing with textures, relief and light and a high-tech openworked dial display.

It is powered by a new cutting-edge selfwinding movement, Calibre 4407, which notably features a highly contemporary split-seconds flyback chronograph, whose complicated micro-mechanics takes centre stage on the caseback side.

Close up of a Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date watch.

In addition to introducing a new 43 mm case size, the titanium watch boasts a multifaceted design playing with contrasts and light that necessitated complex programming and manufacturing processes to strike the right balance between ergonomics and ultramodern design.

Sandblasted titanium inserts bring the case’s juxtaposition of angular and rounded geometries into bold relief. The sandblasted case is topped off with a satin-brushed octagonal bezel outlined with polished chamfers. The collection’s strong lines are amplified by the three-dimensional push-piece guards brazenly securing the black ceramic pushers at 2, 4 and 9 o'clock.

Conceived like a movement bridge, the openworked dial gives a glimpse of the complicated micro-mechanics ticking within. The rounded openings have been cut out from a single German silver plate, finished with sandblasted black PVD and polished rhodium-toned bevels.

The white gold hour-markers, white gold hands, counters, large date window and GMT day/night disc feature luminescent coating for optimum visibility in the dark. Red and yellow accents, respectively marking the chronograph and GMT functions, add a subtle, yet vivid touch of colour.

Close up of a Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date dial.

Ultra-contemporary inside and out, the new timepiece premieres the selfwinding Calibre 4407 – a feat of mechanical and industrial engineering that combines flyback chronograph, split seconds, GMT function and large date into the stylised case design of the Royal Oak Concept collection.

Unlike a regular chronograph, the flyback function allows to reset and restart the chronograph without having to stop it first, while the split-seconds mechanism measures intermediate time intervals thanks to the addition of a split-seconds hand that can be stopped independently of the chronograph hand.

Close up of a Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date watch.
Close up on a Royal Oak Concept Split Second Chronograph GMT Large Date backcase.

Visible through the sapphire caseback, the split-seconds mechanism has been integrated within the thickness of the central rotor’s ball bearing. The split-seconds wheel and two actuating clamps can be admired at the centre of the platinum oscillating weight, under the X-shaped bridge holding the mechanism in place.

By giving centre stage to the split-seconds mechanism on the caseback side, the new Royal Oak Concept links past and future as pocket watches and hand-wound wristwatches commonly exhibit this beautiful mechanism.

The state-of-the-art watch premieres the first interchangeable strap of the Royal Oak Concept collection. The interchangeability system has been directly integrated into both the case and the triple-blade folding clasp to enable the wearer to change strap with a quick click and release. The system also provides optimum security when the watch is worn. With its symmetrical inserts, the new interchangeable rubber strap provides a seamless continuity with the Royal Oak Concept's multidimensional, high-tech case design.