In an impressive display of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship and cultural collaboration, Audemars Piguet presents the Royal Oak watch Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” Edition. This limited edition piece, which will only be produced 250 times, marks the second collaboration with Marvel, which began in 2021. Launched with a spectacular event in Dubai, this model has captivated audiences with a three-dimensional representation of the iconic superhero. But not only that, a unique copy was also auctioned off to support First Book and Ashoka, two non-profit organizations that empower young people.
A fusion of watchmaking art, high-tech and pop culture
The limited edition of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” impresses with a 42 mm titanium case and striking black ceramic accents on the bezel and crown. The superhero aesthetic is underlined by the visible caliber 2974, which shows Spider-Man in his famous red and blue suit. The unique piece completes this series with a depiction of Spider-Man in a black suit, a tribute to the less frequently seen version of the superhero from comics such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” issue #252 from 1984.
Innovative craftsmanship and advanced technology
The incomparable case of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” was created through the interplay of traditional watchmaking skills and the most advanced technology. Featuring an intricate spider-leg motif achieved with the help of laser engraving and luminous ceramic, this watch is truly a work of art. The sapphire base bears the inscription “Royal Oak Concept Unique Piece”, which underlines the exclusivity of this unique piece.
With the redesign of caliber 2974, which evolved from caliber 2948, Audemars Piguet’s engineers and artisans have summoned their expertise to create a movement so minimalist that Spider-Man seems to float. Every detail, from the shape to the color scheme, was handcrafted, with more than 50 hours of work going into the completion of the superhero.
An evening in the service of “change agents”
The new limited edition “the Royal Oak Concept Spider-Man” and the one-off were presented to the world public in the highest tower of the Central Park Towers in Dubai. An exclusive event where guests enjoyed chef Björn Frantzén’s (3 Michelin stars) masterpieces and a spectacular performance by freeclimber Alexis Landot, accompanied by a DJ set by Heron Preston.
The auction of these exquisite watches fetched an impressive total of 8.5 million US dollars. Audemars Piguet will use these proceeds to further support the educational program “Time for Change: Dream, Act, Change Our World”, which was developed two years ago in the USA in collaboration with First Book and Ashoka. The aim of this project is to contribute to greater equality in education by promoting the potential for changemaking. The program provides teachers and caregivers with resources to inspire and empower children and youth from low-income families and historically marginalized communities to become changemakers and change the world. There are plans to introduce this program in other countries such as Brazil, the UK, Nigeria, Canada and Indonesia soon.
The relationship between Audemars Piguet, First Book and Ashoka began in April 2021, when a unique Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” with flying tourbillon was auctioned. The proceeds from this first auction have already supported 25,000 teachers and around 750,000 American children and young people between the ages of 5 and 18. As a result, over 50,000 books on changemaking have been distributed and teachers have been provided with useful teaching resources. Now presented, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon, inspired by the Spider-Man universe, adds another layer of meaning to the joint project. Because the superhero’s motto is: “Great power also brings great responsibility”.
Distinctive strap options for the superhero on your wrist
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” Edition comes with an interchangeable black and gray rubber strap with a titanium AP clasp. An additional rubber strap in black and red, matching the colors of Marvel’s famous superhero suit, is also included. The unique piece, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man”, is complemented by a textured black rubber strap. A black calfskin strap with textile effect and white stitching completes the package.
Closing words
The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” by Audemars Piguet is more than just a watch – it is a reminder that great power means great responsibility. By purchasing these watches, you are not only wearing a masterpiece of watchmaking artistry on your wrist, but also supporting an incredibly important social project. And so it becomes clear once again that the world of haute horlogerie and that of superheroes have more in common than one might think at first glance: both are geared towards making the world a better place.
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