Most watchmakers capable of creating a chiming watch like to show the complication off. You can’t blame them really. Audemars Piguet however have taken a different approach, building arguably their most wearable version to date with the Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie.

The Supersonnerie originally came out back in 2014 as a concept, with the groundbreaking chiming complication that’s somehow louder on the wrist than off. The gongs are mounted on a soundboard that is covered with a partially open back, creating an unusually loud and crystal-clear sound.

The concept was a cool watch – most concepts are – and was striking in more ways than one. It just wasn’t all that wearable, meant more as a statement of intent than a proper part of the collection.

Now though, Audemars Piguet has built the Supersonnerie into what is otherwise a straightforward Royal Oak case, complete with its signature Grande Tappisserie dial, making it catnip to AP collectors.

It’s actually available in two versions: a titanium edition with a matching bracelet and blue dial or a platinum edition with a black dial and alligator strap. Both are powered by the AP Caliber 2959 with its 72-hour power reserve and both are limited to just 20 pieces.

Perhaps more unusually though, they’re exclusively available through Yoshida rather than from Audemars Piguet directly. With a grand total of 40 watches, you can be sure the Japanese retailer won’t be hanging onto them for all that long.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie

Ref: 26591TI.OO.1252TI.01 (titanium); 26591PT.OO.D002CR.01 (platinum)

Case/Dial: 42mm diameter x 14mm thickness, titanium or platinum

Water Resistance: 20m (2 bar)

Movement: AP Caliber 2959, manual winding

Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

Power reserve: 72h (3 days)

Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, minute repeater

Strap: Titanium bracelet with additional blue alligator strap (titanium version); black alligator strap (platinum version)

Price: TBC, each version is limited to 20 pieces

More details at audemarspiguet.com