Audemars Piguet is steering high watchmaking into a fresh chapter with the launch of an innovative, tech-driven presentation case developed alongside the Dubai Future Foundation. After two years of research and refinement, the brand is unveiling a smart box capable of automatically setting and winding its newest 41 mm Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. The device will be revealed to the public for the first time at Dubai Watch Week, where collectors can witness a rare fusion of robotics, AI intelligence, and traditional horology packaged in a sleek, intuitive object.
A New Kind of Watch Box
The vision for this project was simple: take the complexity out of adjusting a perpetual calendar. These watches are masterpieces of engineering, but correcting them can be time consuming even for experienced owners. Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet made advances with its Calibre 7138 and 7136 movements, which consolidated all adjustments through the crown. The new smart box carries that evolution forward. Once the watch is placed inside and the lid is closed, the system analyzes the dial, determines the necessary updates, and completes every correction with precision in roughly five minutes.
Technology Beneath the Surface
Beneath its refined exterior lies a sophisticated mechanical and electronic system. A miniature mechanical engine mimics the delicate touch of a trained watchmaker, manipulating the crown with exactly the right tension and finesse. An electronic core orchestrates communication across components, ensuring everything works in harmony. A small camera mounted in the lid captures detailed images of the dial, which are then processed by an AI model trained to interpret a broad range of perpetual calendar layouts. The software evaluates what needs changing, executes each adjustment, and manages Bluetooth connectivity and safety checks. All of this operates quietly, delivering a perfectly set watch with zero manual effort.
A Collaboration of Craft and Innovation
This creation marks the culmination of close work between Audemars Piguet and Dubai Future Labs, the robotics and advanced research division of the Dubai Future Foundation. Their joint effort began in 2023, blending watchmaking expertise with high-tech engineering and rapid prototyping. DFL concentrated on developing the technological backbone, while Audemars Piguet ensured the device upheld its rigorous standards for precision and watch care.
Thoughtful, Architectural Design
For the physical design, AP collaborated with Max Terio of Eight Inc. The box reflects the brand’s love for sculptural geometry sharp lines, balanced proportions, and a form that feels contemporary yet unmistakably Audemars Piguet. The materials were selected for elegance and tactility: smooth-touch surfaces, refined metallic details, and subtle textures that feel luxurious on the hand. Terio worked closely with AP’s internal design team to create a product that seamlessly fits into the Maison’s aesthetic universe.
A Modern Companion for a Traditional Craft
The final result is an intelligent, meticulously crafted companion that bridges centuries old watchmaking tradition with cutting edge technology an object that feels both forward thinking and deeply rooted in the artistry of time.