In 2021, Audemars Piguet introduced the world to a remarkable and collaborative timepiece; the first-ever Royal Oak Concept and Marvel watch, a sensational creation dedicated to the Black Panther. The resounding success of the collaboration is a germinator of the next edition Marvel collaboration; the Royal Oak Tourbillon “Spider-Man”. This new action-filled piece comes with a massive global fanbase as the Spider-Man character is celebrated through paying homage to the superhero’s remarkable journey spanning over six decades.
Limited to only 250 units, the timepiece seamlessly combines ancestral craftsmanship with futuristic technology courtesy of its intricate openwork design and captivating complications. It sits inside a 42mm case of titanium and black ceramic, with alternating black PVD-coated gold hour markers and Arabic numerals and matching hands, all filled with white lime that glows blue in the dark, subtly referring to Spider-Man’s ‘spidey sense’.
The light, tridimensional silhouette of Spider-Man seems to emerge from the dial. The character is ultimately hand-painted, giving him his recognisable two-tone aesthetic, contrasting matte red and metal blue. This careful technique required no less than 50 hours of work, with the intervention of a master engraver at the end for last finishes.
Another notable point is that for the first time, the 42mm Royal Oak Concept case has an interchangeable strap system, allowing the wearers to change the strap and buckle. Equipped with a black and grey rubber strap and a titanium AP buckle, it comes with a second black and red rubber strap which nicely matches the famous suit of the superhero.
As with the Black Panther edition, a unique piece was created for auction, with proceeds benefiting American non-profit organisations, First Book and Ashoka. Featuring a laser-engraved case filled with luminescent ceramic, the one-of-a-kind Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” is inspired by the character’s costume change.
Visit the official Audemars Piguet website for more information.
Photos by Audemars Piguet.