Presented in a 42 mm titanium case contrasted by a black ceramic bezel and crown, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man”’s openworked movement, Calibre 2974, reveals the Super Hero in his iconic red and blue suit. This limited edition of 250 pieces is accompanied by a unique piece on which Spider-Man wears a black suit, referencing his appearance from select past comics, such as the 1984’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” #252. This lesser-known representation of the Super Hero gives the timepiece an element of mystique, as does the luminescent material, which glows green in the dark, used on the hands, hour-markers and part of the character.
Combining ancestral watchmaking know-how and cutting-edge technology, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” features a white gold case which has been decorated with a spider leg motif. The case is first laser-engraved to create the spider’s legs, which are then filled with luminescent hybrid ceramic. It is then polished and finely engraved by laser once more to form a spider’s web in the background. The case is combined with a black ceramic bezel and a black ceramic sapphire caseback which bears the inscription “Royal Oak Concept Unique Piece” in white.
Based on Calibre 2948, the new hand-wound Calibre 2974 required all of Audemars Piguet’s engineers’, watchmakers’ and artisans’ expertise to bring this level of openwork to life. By reducing the movement’s architecture to the bare minimum, they have achieved a level of transparency that allows Spider-Man to appear suspended in the air through the sapphire crystal. The silhouette and the volume of the character was first cut out from a block of white gold using a CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machine. The Super Hero’s suit was then laser-engraved to obtain the differences in texture giving it a textile effect. After this step, touch-ups and engraving-related finishings were meticulously done by hand by a single artisan, making each piece unique. The Super Hero was then hand painted. During this step, the artisan emphasized the shadows and contrasts to give the character even more perspective. The Super Hero was created in three dimensions and extends across the whole thickness of the watch. In total, it took around 50 hours to complete the character.
Equipped with an interchangeable black and grey rubber strap fitted with a titanium AP buckle, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” is accompanied by a second black and red rubber strap, matching the Marvel Super Hero’s famous suit. The unique Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” is complemented by a textured black rubber strap and a second black calf leather strap with a textile effect featuring white stitching.
The new Royal Oak Concept “Spider-Man” limited edition and the one-of-a-kind piece, were revealed during an event held in the highest tower of the Central Park Tower in Dubai. Featuring a cocktail created by 3 Michelin star chef Björn Frantzén, a mesmerizing performance by free climber Alexis Landot and an exclusive DJ-set by Heron Preston, the evening was attended by clients, press and celebrities. The auction was followed live in several AP Houses around the world.
The funds raised, USD 8.5 M in total, will allow Audemars Piguet to continue to support the educational programme set up with First Book and Ashoka two years ago in the United States. Entitled “Time For Change: Dream, Act, Change Our World”, this joint programme is designed to advance educational equity through the power of changemaking by providing educators and caregivers with tools to inspire and empower young people from low-income and historically excluded communities to become changemakers. The programme now plans to expand internationally to Brazil, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Canada and Indonesia, in order to steer this global movement forward.
