Audemars Piguet Invents The Schumacher Laptimer Chronograph
Former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher has always been a big fan of fine mechanical watches. Therefore, when the brand asked him to become an ambassador in 2010, Schumacher required more than just to be a celebrity wearing a special model. He wanted to be part of the creation process and brought an idea with him. After 3 years of development in close cooperation with Audemars Piguet’s technical and design team, the manufacture has now launched the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher model. A leader as well as a man obsessed with details, Schumacher challenged everyone involved in the project. “He wanted to understand every detail,” says Giulio Papi, master watchmaker. “He could be demanding, but this was purposeful.” This new chronograph is a superb invention that brings the term “complication” to a new level. Indeed, it allows the wearer to measure consecutive laps with the help of two second hands.
Pushing the button at 2 o’clock starts both hands. At the end of the first lap, the user presses the pusher at 9 o’clock. While the first hand stops, the second hand flies back to zero and starts instantaneously. At the end of the second lap, the user has the option to reset either hand for the measurement of the 3rd lap. Pressing on the Laptimer pusher at 9 o’clock will stop the hand which measured the 2nd lap and reset the one which measured the 1st lap. Pressing the pusher at 4 o’clock will reset the time recorded for the 2nd lap. The whole watch is stunning thanks to its mechanics – the calibre is the world’s first mechanical chronograph with alternating consecutive lap timing and flyback function, including a pending patent – and it is designed as a solid watch that doesn’t look too big. The Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher is an ideal mix of performance and innovation that makes sense because it is absolutely practical and easy to use.
