Acoustics in haute horlogerie reached a new dimension in 2016 following the introduction of Audemars Piguet’s Supersonnerie technology. The result of an ambitious eight-year interdisciplinary development combining watchmakers, musicians, and researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), this innovation transformed the acoustic performance of minute repeaters. Today, the Le Brassus manufactory pays tribute to this milestone by unveiling three new masterpieces powered by the exceptional hand-wound Calibre 2953.
The Acoustic Architecture of Calibre 2953
The secret of Supersonnerie technology lies in its structural construction. Rather than attaching the gongs directly to the mainplate, they are mounted onto a dedicated soundboard that functions like the soundboard of an acoustic guitar. This patented design, combined with a silent governor and a construction that prevents sound absorption by the wrist, achieves unprecedented amplification and a crystal-clear chime. Comprising 362 components and 32 jewels, the hand-wound Calibre 2953 operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and guarantees a generous 72-hour power reserve.
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie: Titanium & Smoked Green Dial
The first novelty expands the Royal Oak line in a 42 mm diameter and 14.0 mm thick case and integrated bracelet fully crafted in titanium (Ref. 26591TI). The lightweight nature of titanium not only offers exceptional wrist comfort, but also significantly enhances sound propagation.
Its dial features a sunburst satin-finished smoked green tone darkening towards the outer edge, contrasted by a matching tone-on-tone small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Royal Oak hands in 18-carat white gold and hour-markers in 18-carat pink gold coated with luminescent material complete a distinctly contemporary aesthetic.
Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie: The Warm Elegance of Pink Gold
For the first time in the collection’s history, the 42 mm titanium variant is complemented by a sumptuous edition crafted in 18-carat pink gold (Ref. 26591OR). The play of light between the vertical satin-brushing and hand-polished bevels highlights the rich warmth of the precious metal.
To dress this piece, the manufactura selected a brown dial decorated with the iconic “Grande Tapisserie” pattern. The hands and applied hour-markers in 18-carat pink gold maintain perfect monochromatic harmony, rendering this piece a statement of pure haute horlogerie sophistication.
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Supersonnerie: Smoked Sapphire & Exposed Mechanics
The third reference pushes creative boundaries within the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection (Ref. 26395BC). Housed in a 41 mm diameter and 13.6 mm thick 18-carat white gold case, the watch boasts a fully polished case middle that highlights its complex architectural geometry.
Its primary highlight is a subtly transparent smoked sapphire dial revealing the intricate inner mechanics of Calibre 2953. The galvanic snare-patterned minute track and small seconds counter add depth and texture to the composition. The watch is paired with a grey large square-scale alligator leather strap.
⚙️ Editorial Take
Audemars Piguet Supersonnerie 2026
Audemars Piguet expands its acoustic high-complication line-up with three models powered by the hand-wound Calibre 2953 (72h power reserve and patented soundboard). The range features two 42 mm Royal Oaks (one in titanium with a smoked green dial and another for the first time in pink gold with a brown “Grande Tapisserie” dial) alongside a 41 mm Code 11.59 in white gold with a smoked sapphire dial.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Royal Oak Supersonnerie Titanium | Royal Oak Supersonnerie Pink Gold | Code 11.59 Supersonnerie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference | 26591TI.OO.1252TI.01 | 26591OR.OO.1252OR.01 | 26395BC.OO.D009CR.01 |
| Case | Titanium, 42.0 mm x 14.0 mm; glareproofed sapphire crystal | 18k pink gold, 42.0 mm x 14.0 mm; glareproofed sapphire crystal | Polished 18k white gold, 41.0 mm x 13.6 mm; double curved sapphire |
| Dial | Smoked green sunburst; small seconds at 6 o’clock | Brown «Grande Tapisserie»; small seconds at 6 o’clock | Semi-transparent smoked sapphire; silvered snailed inner bezel |
| Calibre | Hand-wound Calibre 2953 (30.0 mm / 13 lignes) | Hand-wound Calibre 2953 (30.0 mm / 13 lignes) | Hand-wound Calibre 2953 (30.0 mm / 13 lignes) |
| Parts / Jewels | 362 components / 32 jewels | 362 components / 32 jewels | 362 components / 32 jewels |
| Frequency / Power Reserve | 3 Hz (21,600 vph) / Minimum 72 hours | 3 Hz (21,600 vph) / Minimum 72 hours | 3 Hz (21,600 vph) / Minimum 72 hours |
| Complications | Supersonnerie minute repeater, hours, minutes, small seconds | Supersonnerie minute repeater, hours, minutes, small seconds | Supersonnerie minute repeater, hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Bracelet / Strap | Integrated titanium bracelet with AP folding clasp | Integrated 18k pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp | Grey large square-scale alligator strap; 18k white gold AP folding clasp |
| Water Resistance | 20 meters (Supersonnerie soundboard with acoustic apertures) | 20 meters (Supersonnerie soundboard with acoustic apertures) | 20 meters (Supersonnerie soundboard with acoustic apertures) |
More info: Audemars Piguet
