Audemars Piguet introduces their Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher. A timepiece that took 5 years to develop after Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher asked AP to come up with a watch able to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times. Only 221 pieces of this Royal Oak Concept Laptimer will be produced to commemorate the number of F1 world championship point-winning races the German legend competed during his career.It is a Royal Oak Concept different from the ones we’ve seen before (here) or from the one that AP showed us during the SIHH 2015 (a loud minute repeater). In that respect, it is quite unexpected that AP introduces this Royal Oak Concept Laptimer. It is not the first watch with a laptimer counter, but the first one that is mechanical.

Royal Oak Concept Laptimer

The Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher – the world’s first watch to feature two angular indexing systems on a single chronograph, each with an independent ‘memory’. It is the first time that a movement has been developed from scratch by Audemars Piguet at the behest of an ambassador – an indication of the strength of the long-standing relationship which Audemars Piguet has enjoyed with Michael Schumacher since forming an on-going partnership with him in 2010.

Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Royal Oak Concept Laptimer

The mechanism has no less than three column wheels, one for the chronograph function and two for the control of the laptimer sequence. Two mainspring barrels provide 80 hours of power reserve for this beast. To ensure perfect linear torque transmission, AP developed conical gear teeth which mesh seamlessly and accurately at all points in the movement’s cycle.

Royal Oak Concept Laptimer

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher retails for $229,000,- USD.

Technical Specifications

Laptimer and Flyback Chronograph / Continuous lap timing and flyback

Limited edition: 221 pieces

  • DIAMETER             44 mm
  • REFERENCE          26221FT.OO.D002CA.01
  • CALIBRE                Hand-wound Manufacture calibre 2923. Laptimer Chronograph
  • MOVEMENT          Total diameter: 34.60mm (15 1/3 lines)
  • TOTAL THICKNESS 12.70mm
  • NUMBER OF JEWELS 34
  • NUMBER OF PARTS      413
  • MINIMAL GUARANTEED POWER RESERVE  80 hours
  • FREQUENCY OF BALANCE WHEEL  4 Hz, 28’800 vibrations/hour

Functions

Laptimer chronograph with double central second hands, flyback, 30 minutes counter, small

seconds, hours and minutes

Case

Forged carbon case

Curved glareproofed sapphire crystal

Titanium caseback with glareproofed sapphire crystal Titanium bezel

Ceramic and 18-carat pink gold screw-locked crown

Black ceramic and 18-carat pink gold pushpieces

Black ceramic Laptimer pushpiece with MS logo

Titanium pushpiece guards

Bracelet: Black rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp

Dial

Openworked black dial

30 minutes counter at 3 o’clock

Small seconds at 9 o’clock

White gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating

Black inner bezel

More information on www.audemarspiguet.com