Audemars Piguet’s Sonic Innovation: The Royal Oak Supersonnerie in All-Black Ceramic

In a bold departure from tradition, Audemars Piguet has unveiled its latest horological marvel, the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie, fashioned entirely from black ceramic. Available in two distinctive variants – one adorned with white gold markers and the other graced with baguette-diamond indices – this monochromatic masterpiece marks the next evolution in Audemars Piguet’s storied lineage of chiming watches.

Striking Beauty Meets Modernity

The original Royal Oak Supersonnerie was a testament to technical prowess, boasting an all-titanium construction with an understated smoked grey dial. However, Audemars Piguet has chosen to embrace modernity with the new all-black ceramic repeater. This unconventional material choice is in line with the brand’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking materials, having previously utilized everything from carbon composite to BMG.

While using ceramic for a striking watch may seem counterintuitive due to its sound-transmitting limitations, the choice becomes logical when considering Audemars Piguet’s proprietary Supersonnerie amplifying system. The titanium Supersonnerie is known for its loud and clear chimes, but the ceramic repeater’s auditory prowess remains to be heard in real-life scenarios. A side-by-side comparison would undoubtedly be intriguing.

A Sporty Elegance

Distinctive from other Royal Oak models with ceramic bracelets, the new repeater makes its debut on a rubber strap. This choice adds a sporty and casual dimension to the watch, accentuating the harmonious blend of high horology and contemporary sporty aesthetics.

Audemars Piguet has yet to disclose the production quantity, and the price remains available only upon request, but it’s expected to start at a minimum of US$350,000.

Embracing Darkness

The Royal Oak Supersonnerie’s transformation into an all-black masterpiece is nothing short of captivating. Both versions feature a black tapisserie dial, with one option sporting classic white gold baton markers and the other discreetly embellished with baguette-cut diamond indices.

The 42mm by 14mm case is a remarkable feat of black ceramic engineering, including the case back. The standout feature remains the Supersonnerie case, which facilitates exceptional sound transmission despite ceramic’s unconventional nature for this purpose.

The Supersonnerie Difference

A deeper dive into the Supersonnerie reveals that it enhances repeater sound primarily through its innovative case construction. The gongs are attached to a titanium soundboard rather than the base plate. This soundboard resonates with the gongs, amplifying the volume of the chimes, which are then transmitted through openings in the outer case back. Combined with the near-silent fly-wheel governor, the result is crystal-clear and audible chimes.

While the Supersonnerie focuses on case construction, the movement remains reminiscent of earlier AP repeaters. The cal. 2953 is based on the cal. 2937, which made its debut in the Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie in 2015, itself rooted in a movement developed in the 1990s but upgraded with a 72-hour power reserve and other enhancements.

Despite sharing dimensions with the titanium model, rated to 30 meters of water resistance, the ceramic version offers slightly reduced water resistance at 20 meters. This change is likely due to the challenges imposed by ceramic’s nature when it comes to case construction. Still, 20 meters of water resistance is a notable feature for a minute repeater.

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie in all-black ceramic is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to horological innovation. This timepiece defies convention by embracing unconventional materials and showcases Audemars Piguet’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence. With its captivating design and exceptional acoustics, this watch epitomizes the perfect harmony between tradition and innovation, solidifying Audemars Piguet’s position as a trailblazer in the world of precision watchmaking.

Key Specifications and Availability

•   Reference Numbers:
•   White Gold Markers: Ref. 26591CE.OO.D002CA.01
•   Diamond Markers: Ref. 26591CE.OO.D002CA.02
•   Case:
•   Diameter: 42mm
•   Height: 14mm
•   Material: Ceramic
•   Crystal: Sapphire
•   Water Resistance: 20 meters
•   Movement:
•   Caliber: 2953
•   Functions: Hours, Minutes, and Minute Repeater
•   Winding: Manual
•   Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
•   Power Reserve: 72 hours
•   Strap: Rubber with Folding Clasp
•   Limited Edition: No
•   Availability: At AP Houses and boutiques
•   Price: Price available upon request