This is the latest timepiece to showcase the use of forged carbon, a technique that Audemars Piguet has been experimenting with for a few years and that is unique to the company's manufacture. Here, the case itself is forged carbon, which is a light and strong carbon compound with a look unlike other watch-case materials. The now-classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 42mm-wide watch case (100 meters WR) carries the style wonderfully with the assortment of black materials against the yellow trim, giving the watch an almost sober industrial feel. Inside, the watch is a new Audemars Piguet manufacture: 3126/3840 automatic mechanical chronograph movement with an engraved gold rotor.
The combination of brand, exotic materials, in-house movement, and luxury detailing make this watch a fly under the status symbol radar because the lay person would be hard-pressed to realize it is more than just a “nice looking watch.” No one else has the exclusive heat-formed forged carbon case (the watch also features a black ceramic bezel) and blackened steel caseback. The tapered strap is made of crocodile and features yellow stitching for a suave and comfortable look. Unlike other brands’ watches, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is unfortunately very similar in style to many of the other contemporary Royal Oak Offshore watches out there.
While this timepiece looks like it would be the last watch you’ll ever need, it is still a luxury watch in every sense (so babying it is important). The ceramic bezel is hardy and highly scratch resistant, but the carbon case can pick up nicks. The dial is very easy to read with a fantastic 12-hour chronograph layout and conspicuous hands. Useful functionality and style are bound to last you decades (at least). The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a solid investment from a proven brand with a subliminal thematic reminder of these times when caution is the condition and luxury is for quiet appreciation -- and adornments are still loud and worn proud.
愛彼先製作錶殼與錶圈的精鋼鑄模，再於模內置入幾公分長的碳線團。測量這些碳線的直徑，不過1至2毫米，卻是以數千條直徑7微米的碳纖維合成，並以樹脂纖維綑成一束。裝有碳線團的精鋼鑄模在高溫及300 kg / cm2的高壓下鍛造成型，300 kg / cm2的壓力相當於平常所使用壓力的近百倍。這第一步的準備動作決定了，接下來鍛造碳部件的品質，因為每個最終的成品都具有獨一無二的質感。接著，愛彼將多年來以碳製作機芯橋板及主機板所累積的經驗技術，運用到機械元件的加工製作上。多虧如此，錶殼內側及各種裝配孔緣的處理才得以完成，錶殼外表也才能符合高級鐘錶業的要求，呈現平滑且輕泛閃光的霧面質感，以及絲緞般的柔順觸感。以上製作過程全部在位於布拉蘇絲的工作坊中完成。員工們發揮團隊合作、不斷創新的精神，終於成功製出一款輕盈的大型計時碼錶。鍛造碳款腕錶的重量僅有100克。
(1.鍛造碳製作的材料正是這些看似毛線團的碳纖維團)
(2. 將碳纖維線團剪唯一小段一小段的線條，仔細秤重線團重量)
(3. 將一定重量的碳線團置放進特製的金屬模具中)
(4. 置放線團的模具在使用前必須仔細清潔，不能有一絲雜質)
(5. 裝有碳線團的精鋼鑄模在高溫及300 kg / cm2的高壓下鍛造成型，300 kg / cm2的壓力相當於平常所使用壓力的近百倍，使用的是這組由愛彼所研發的特製機器。)
