Innovation has always been an integral part of watchmaking history. With 150 years of heritage, Audemars Piguet is far from new to groundbreaking achievements. As early as 1892, the Manufacture du Brassus presented the first wristwatch with a minute repeater. In 1955, it produced the first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar including a leap year indicator. In 1972, it created a new watchmaking segment with the Royal Oak: the sporty-chic watch. This was followed by records in thinness for grand complications (1978 and 1986, respectively, minute repeater and tourbillon) and the introduction of the Audemars Piguet escapement in 2006.
But Audemars Piguet did not stop there. In 2015, it launched its RD# Concept saga, pushing even further its pursuit of useful innovations.
RD#1: The Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie, 2015
Eight years of development, in collaboration with watchmaking experts, EPFL scientists, and musicians, were necessary to amplify the sound power of the minute repeater and improve its harmonic quality. Gongs mounted on an unprecedented soundboard prevent sound absorption and amplify it, while a striking regulator eliminates unwanted noises. This “Supersonnerie,” housed in its 44mm titanium case, can be heard up to 15 meters away with unmatched sound quality and harmonic clarity. The saga begins.
RD#2: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Extra-Thin Automatic, 2018
With its 2.89mm-thick caliber 5133, and its titanium case and bracelet (950 platinum for the bezel and bracelet links), this RD#2 set the record for the world’s thinnest perpetual calendar watch at the time. The innovation is not only ergonomic but also technical, with two patents: the end-of-month cam was integrated into the date wheel, while the month cam was combined with the month wheel. The perpetual calendar functions are thus consolidated on a single level instead of three—where ancestral craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology.
RD#3: Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin Automatic, 2022
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic model, Audemars Piguet equipped, for the first time, a 39mm, 8.1mm-thick steel Royal Oak Jumbo with a flying tourbillon automatic movement. The caliber 2968 features traditional and contemporary hand-finished decorations and includes a new escapement that further reveals its intricate internal mechanics. A second 37mm iteration with a unique plum-colored dial also appeared for the celebration. Innovation in the service of ergonomics and beauty.
RD#4: Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Universelle, 2023
Inspired by a 1899 Audemars Piguet pocket watch with 19 complications, the RD#4 is the brand’s first ultra-complicated watch in a Code 11.59 case. It required 7 years of R&D. The Caliber 1000 powering it contains 1,100 components and incorporates 23 complications for 40 functions, including a Grande Sonnerie, a Supersonnerie, a minute repeater, a tourbillon, a flyback chronograph with rattrapante, an astronomical moonphase, and a large date. This 42mm watch is a condensation of horological complications, presenting 17 technical innovations and integrating the advancements of RD#2 and RD#3. Awarded the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the GPHG in 2023!
RD#5: Royal Oak Extra-Thin Flying Tourbillon Automatic Chronograph, 2025
To celebrate the brand’s 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet presents, for the first time, an ultra-thin flying tourbillon and automatic chronograph in a 39mm “Jumbo” titanium case. This RD#5 redefines chronograph ergonomics for the ultimate comfort of its fortunate owner, thanks to pushers with unprecedented smoothness—they activate almost with a touch. The timepiece also features, for the first time, a minute sub-dial with instantaneous jump. Always aiming to make the user’s life easier, the crown unlocks with a simple press to access time setting and winding. Finally, the peripheral oscillating weight offers an unobstructed view of the movement’s beauty and complexity, providing complete pleasure. Ergonomics and simplicity for an unparalleled customer experience.
Conclusion
The "RD Concept" saga highlights Audemars Piguet’s exceptional ability to innovate in both movement engineering and design, creating watches that combine traditional craftsmanship with technological prowess. The Brassus-based brand delivers a major advancement with each new iteration in terms of complications, performance, thinness, and ergonomics. It embodies the very essence of watchmaking, continually progressing.
