Wednesday, February 3, 2016

AUDEMARS PIGUET – Royal Oak Concept SUPERSONNERIE
















AUDEMARS PIGUETROYAL OAK Concept SUPERSONNERIE Titanium Chronograph NEW


In 2015, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak Concept RD#1 – the most sonically considered concept watch of modern times, propelling acoustic performance in chiming watches to unparalleled levels. Eight years in the making, with the watchmaker as key sound producer, that concept timepiece presented dynamic innovations that defied practical restrictions, such as waterproofing.

Now, just 12 months later, that concept has become reality. In 2016, Audemars Piguet presents an outstanding new wristwatch: the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, a minute repeater of superior acoustic intensity with a supremely clear, sustained tone. Three new pioneering chiming sound developments have become technological achievements, patented innovations. Presented in a super-light titanium case, this exclusive production timepiece is precision-made to awaken sound. It brings unprecedented acoustic performance, exceptionally refined sound quality and the clear, harmonic tone of traditional pocket-watches to a contemporary minute repeater wristwatch.

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Since the Manufacture was founded, generations of watchmakers have progressed complex mechanisms created in Le Brassus into future-forward technologies through every decade of the 20th and 21st centuries.

That tradition continues through pioneering chiming watches sound study programme, started in 2006, in collaboration with the EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne). Today, sound-measurement facilities are installed at the Manufacture, where various amplification methods, such as an anechoic chamber and microphone recordings, assist a dedicated team of watchmakers, artisans, technicians and academics in creating chiming technologies for the future. Restrictions of necessary technology, such as waterproofing, which diffuses sound, are being overcome; acoustic performance is scientifically augmented.

The outcome of the study programme is a new method for pre-preparing the steel used to create the gong structure, to achieve a unique minute repeater sound. A scientific system of performance targets was devised according to material cross-section, length and rigidity. Today, these pre-defined targets anticipate the final performance of the steel used by the watchmaker to make the gongs, assisting him to hone the right pitch, tone, and harmony. The result is a shortened, precision-mastered tuning process and a unique sound.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie presents a newly developed case construction that prevents sound absorption, boosting amplification. In traditional minute repeater technology, the gongs are fixed to the mainplate. In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie they are attached to a new device, a material spread beneath the movement that acts as a soundboard. Now, the gongs transmit vibrations directly to the soundboard – not to the mainplate. The technology functions like the upper body of a guitar. With the vibration-to-air system improved, sound quality, tone and amplification are richer.

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The striking regulator – the device that sets the pace of the striking sequence of hours, quarters and minutes – is redesigned. The anchor system is more flexible and becomes a shock absorber so that unwanted shock noise – created on action – is eliminated. Noise is almost imperceptible; poor frequencies are diminished and the pure, clear sound created by the watchmaker is freed. The result: a brighter, cleaner tone.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie is not simply a striking watch; it is devised as a musical instrument. In an acoustic guitar, the strings are pulled tightly over the bridge. When plucked, the strings vibrate at a certain frequency and produce a beautiful, tonal sound. This sound is then carried into the body of the guitar – the soundboard – via the bridge. As it travels around the body of the instrument, the sound is amplified. No longer controlled by the player, the sound is freed.

In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie:

  • The gongs behave like guitar strings
  • The hammers are the guitar player’s fingers
  • The gong stud is the guitar bridge
  • The internal soundboard spread beneath the movement is the body of the guitar
  • The sound is amplified, the tone improved

In traditional chiming systems, when there is no quarter chiming sequence – for example, at 10.08 – there is a long silence between the hour and minute chiming sequences. In the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, time spent waiting for the gongs to strike is reduced by up to 50 per cent. Furthermore, a security function prevents the user altering the time display while the striking mechanism is active. Timing is improved.

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The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie looks as good as it sounds: a visionary timepiece with a gleaming, futuristic character. The case is architecturally constructed in super-light titanium, while the blackened mainplate is the backdrop for the steel of the high-tech regulator. Not only does the open-worked dial reveal the visionary technology within, it illuminates the true essence of this extraordinary timepiece: the movement. Decorated by hand, it is bevelled, polished, engraved and finished to perfection by the artists of Le Brassus.



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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model:  Royal Oak Concept SUPERSONNERIE

Reference: 26577TI.OO.D002CA.01

MOVEMENT
Hand-wound Manufacture Caliber 2937
Minute repeater, Tourbillon, Chronograph  
Total diameter: 29.90 mm (13 ¼ lignes)
Total thickness: 8.28 mm
Number of jewels: 43
Number of parts: 478
Minimal guaranteed power reserve:   42 h
Frequency of balance wheel:  3 Hz (= 21,600 vibrations/hour)
FUNCTIONS
Minute repeater on two gongs
Tourbillon
Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand
30-minute counter
Hours
Minutes 
CASE
Titanium case, glare-proofed sapphire crystal,
Titanium bezel, black ceramic screw-locked crown,
Black ceramic and titanium push-pieces, titanium push-piece guards
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness:  16.50 mm
Water-resistant to 20 meters
DIAL
Black dial, open-worked, satin-brushed, black counters,
White gold hands with luminescent coating,
Black inner bezel
STRAP
Black rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp

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Audemars Piguet (Marketing) SA
Route de France 16 - Case postale 16
1348 Le Brassus - Switzerland
Phone : + 41 21 642 39 00
Fax : + 41 21 642 34 02
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SEIKO – ASTRON GPS Solar Dual-Time
















SEIKO ASTRON GPS Solar Dual-Time

The Astron revolution continues with the new Dual-Time caliber

Astron GPS Solar was launched with caliber 7X in 2012. In 2014, the collection was expanded with a second-generation caliber, 8X, featuring a chronograph. In 2015, the Astron revolution continues apace with the addition of a third caliber, designed specifically for the global traveller. The worldwide success of the Astron GPS Solar series is perhaps unparalleled in the prestige watch market in recent times and the arrival of the Dual-Time caliber offers yet more proof that GPS Solar is a technology platform that delivers real, practical advantages that are appreciated by all.

Time travel made easy

With the Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time, global travel could not be easier. Using just the power of light, Astron connects to the GPS network and tells time with atomic clock precision, adjusting at the touch of a button to your time zone. Now, with the new Dual-Time caliber, you can read not only the time where you are, but also the time in your home time zone on a simple 12 hour sub-dial with a separate AM/PM indicator.

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In addition, the day of the week is displayed in a retrograde display at the 2 o’clock position, with the date at the 4 o’clock position. The date is correct every day until February 28, 2100, thanks to Astron’s Perpetual Calendar and the operation of the watch is made simple by the electronic setting function in the crown. Travel is stressful. Travel with Astron is a bit less so.

Travel the world in style and comfort

The Dual-Time caliber is offered in a collection of eight main designs, all of which are distinctively and recognisably Astron. As with every Astron watch, the dials are clean, clear and easy to read. The cases are polished by hand, using Seiko’s unique Zaratsu technique, to be distortion-free, so that there is sharpness in every light reflection. The wide range of dial colors is made possible by Seiko’s mastery of energy management in watchmaking.

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These unique dials are the product of engineering excellence; Seiko’s own specially designed GPS module is so energy efficient that many different colors are possible. The bracelets are composed of individually designed links and are therefore tapered perfectly to the wrist for maximum comfort, however and wherever you may travel. There are five designs in titanium cases and three in steel.

The Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Limited Edition

In addition to the eight models in the launch collection, the new Dual-Time caliber is showcased in a distinctive limited edition, whose dial is made of mother of pearl. Not only does this natural dial material lend the dial a unique look, but it bears powerful witness to the remarkable quality of Seiko’s GPS solar technology; the GPS module uses so little power that it obtains all the energy it needs from light absorbed through the dial, even though it is made from mother of pearl.

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The bracelet, also in titanium, uses a series of individually sized links to ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist and has ceramic inserts that complement the unique ceramic rimmed case. Just 3,000 examples of this watch will be produced, and each one has its serial number engraved on the case back.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model: ASTRON GPS Solar Dual-Time

Reference: SSE041J1
SSE041, 043, 045, 047, 049

Movement
Caliber 8X53,
GPS Solar Dual-Time
GPS controlled time and time zone adjustment
Dual-Time with AM/PM indication
Perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100, Signal reception result indication
World time function (40 Time Zones), Daylight Saving Time function, Power save function
Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (without receiving a time signal and at temperatures between 5℃and 35℃)
Case
Titanium with super-hard coating (SSE041, 043, 045, 047)
Titanium with black hard coating (SSE049)
Ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 45.0mm, Thickness: 13.3mm
Water resistance 10 Bar.
Band
Ceramic and titanium with super-hard coating (SSE041, 043)
Titanium with super-hard coating (SSE045, 047)
Titanium with black hard coating (SSE049)
Three-fold clasp with push button release

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Specifications:  
Model: ASTRON GPS Solar Dual-Time 
Reference: SSE051, 053, 055

Case
Stainless steel with super-hard coating (SSE051, 053)
Stainless steel with rose gold-color coating (SSE055)
Ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 45.0mm, Thickness: 13.3mm
Water resistance 10 Bar.
Band
Stainless steel with super-hard coating (SSE051, 053)
Extra-strength silicone (SSE055)
Three-fold clasp with push button release

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Specifications:  
Model: ASTRON GPS Solar Dual-Time Limited Edition 
Reference: SSE039

Case
Ceramic and titanium with super-hard coating
Ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Mother of pearl dial
Magnetic resistance 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 48.7mm, Thickness: 13.2mm
Water resistance 10 Bar.
Band
Ceramic and titanium with super-hard coating
Three-fold clasp with push button release

Limited Edition: 3,000 pcs
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SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION
Mr­­ Noboru­­ Miyadera
2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo­­ 105-8467
Japan
Telephone+81 3 6739 2150
Telefax+81 3 6739 2071
seiko-pr@seiko-watch.co.jp
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www.seiko-astron.com 
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