Audemars Piguet has just unveiled another version of their famous Royal Oak Offshore model. This time the celebrated diver's piece honors the motor racing legend Michael Schumacher by subtly incorporating recognizable motifs from his career into the iconic design.
Michael Schumacher, one of the famous Audemars Piguet ambassadors, is one of the world's best Formula One racing drivers of all times. Statistically, Michael Schumacher is the greatest driver the racing sport has ever seen, the seven-time World Champion, and the only driver in Formula One history to finish in the top three in every race of a season. Such a legend surely deserves a horological tribute to his illustrious career, and the iconic Royal Oak Offshore is an appropriate choice.
The famous Swiss brand has not only praised Michael Schumacher by making a watch in his honor, but also by letting him be actively involved in the creation of the piece that bears his name. Michael Schumacher has collaborated with Audemars Piguet’s Chief Artistic Officer, Octavio Garcia, in making of the piece that speaks about Royal Oak Offshore’s history as well as the extraordinary life of the legend behind the wheel.
The fruit of their work is the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher, which is offered in three different versions, each crafted either from titanium, pink gold or platinum. All three variants are presented in 44mm case-diameter and fitted with an anthracite grey dial, which features brand's recognizable Mega Tapisserie motif. This racing chronograph features a tachymetre scale on the inner rim and it is graced with numerous nods to the driver’s impressive career and the records he holds.
For example, the border of the tachymetre scale between the 12 and 1 o'clock features two blue and five red stars, which stands as a symbol for Schumacher's seven championship victories – two for Benetton in 1994 and 1995 and five for Ferrari from 2000 – 2004. The minute track, in black and white, evokes the checkered flag, while the chronograph counters feature raised frames, like dashboard instruments of racing cars. The hour and minute hands are also inspired by the outline of a racing car’s monocoque, crafted in facetted gold and coated with white afterglow pigments. The date indicator is colored in vibrant racing red, for the first time ever on a Royal Oak Offshore wristwatch. The bezel of the watch is crafted in Cermet, which is a composite material borrowed from automotive industry, and seven times more durable than steel. The sporty rubber strap and the crown are the final nods to the world of racing - the strap attached by satin-brushed studs that imitate a racing car’s cooling scoops, while the microblasted crown resembles a gear wheel.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher is powered by the selfwinding calibre 3126/3840, which is built on 365 pieces and fitted with a gorgeous 22-carat gold oscillating weight. The splendor of the movement is visible through the transparent case-back, where the Audemars Piguet logo and Michael Schumacher’s signature appear in raised relief. The movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers up to 55 hours of power reserve for hours and minutes, small seconds, date display and chrono functions.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher is presented as an exclusive limited edition. There are 1,000 pieces available in titanium; 500 pieces available 18-carat pink gold and 100 pieces available in platinum 950. The titanium version is priced at $42,500, the pink gold version is $75,000, while the most exclusive platinum edition retails at $110,000.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition Titanium
Ref 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition Pink Gold
Ref 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition Platinum
Ref. 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01
Author: Marina Milojevic
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