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Lot Essay
Without doubt one of the most exciting releases of 2023, AP’s Royal Oak Concept “Spider-Man” tourbillon is the second ‘superhero’ watch to emerge as a result of the collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. Christie’s is immensely honoured to present here the first example of this titanium limited edition of 250 pieces to be offered at international auction. Furthermore, it is accompanied by the full set of boxes, certificate and accessories.
In true Audemars Piguet style, the company’s association with Marvel Entertainment is both inspired and visionary. In early 2021, rumours among watch collectors and American comic book fans turned to excitement when a promotional teaser video featuring AP’s CEO, François-Henri Bennahmias and actor Don Cheadle appeared online. Shortly after, it was announced that the two companies had officially collaborated to create the first in a proposed series of ‘superhero’ watches. The now iconic ‘Black Panther’ flying tourbillon was the first of the series, The pairing of a watch manufacturer of AP’s standing with U.S. entertainment giant Marvel is a quantum leap in brand awareness for Audemars Piguet in ensuring that their watches will reach not only a wider but crucially a new younger audience.
This stunning second superhero Royal Oak Concept celebrates “Spider-Man”, who first appeared in August 1962 in American comic book “Amazing Fantasy” published by Marvel Comics. The outstanding feature of the Spider-Man Concept watch is the hyper-realistic laser-cut white gold figure of Spider-Man that appears suspended above the skeletonized movement. The minutely detailed hand-engraved figure is extraordinary in the level of its finish which is hand-painted to create shadows and highlights that give the figure an incredible 3D effect to the point that it seems to be almost alive. It takes one of AP’s craftsmen 30 hours of work to complete the Spider-Man figure. The 42mm case is a more easily wearable size for the Royal Oak Concept than earlier versions, it is made of sandblasted titanium with satin-brushed titanium inserts. AP’s signature octagonal bezel is made from black ceramic. The watch is powered by the brand-new manual winding calibre 2974 skeleton movement, based on the Calibre 2948.
In true Audemars Piguet style, the company’s association with Marvel Entertainment is both inspired and visionary. In early 2021, rumours among watch collectors and American comic book fans turned to excitement when a promotional teaser video featuring AP’s CEO, François-Henri Bennahmias and actor Don Cheadle appeared online. Shortly after, it was announced that the two companies had officially collaborated to create the first in a proposed series of ‘superhero’ watches. The now iconic ‘Black Panther’ flying tourbillon was the first of the series, The pairing of a watch manufacturer of AP’s standing with U.S. entertainment giant Marvel is a quantum leap in brand awareness for Audemars Piguet in ensuring that their watches will reach not only a wider but crucially a new younger audience.
This stunning second superhero Royal Oak Concept celebrates “Spider-Man”, who first appeared in August 1962 in American comic book “Amazing Fantasy” published by Marvel Comics. The outstanding feature of the Spider-Man Concept watch is the hyper-realistic laser-cut white gold figure of Spider-Man that appears suspended above the skeletonized movement. The minutely detailed hand-engraved figure is extraordinary in the level of its finish which is hand-painted to create shadows and highlights that give the figure an incredible 3D effect to the point that it seems to be almost alive. It takes one of AP’s craftsmen 30 hours of work to complete the Spider-Man figure. The 42mm case is a more easily wearable size for the Royal Oak Concept than earlier versions, it is made of sandblasted titanium with satin-brushed titanium inserts. AP’s signature octagonal bezel is made from black ceramic. The watch is powered by the brand-new manual winding calibre 2974 skeleton movement, based on the Calibre 2948.