Well, this is a truly unexpected collaboration. At least, it is unexpected to a non-watch watcher. What you see here is luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet’s tribute to Marvel’s Black Panther, the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon.
This super luxe and very limited watch sports a futuristic design that is a nod to the superhero from Wakanda’s super high-tech suit. The watch is presented in a sandblasted titanium case, black ceramic bezel and a dial face featuring a hand-painted 3D edition of the superhero.
The 3D image of Black Panther further boasts white gold elements and the while the texture is the work of laser, the minute details found on the hero’s hands, claws, muscles and facial have been sculpted by hand.
AP said that the numerous layers of diluted dark paint have been meticulously added by hand to achieve a perfect balance of texture, contrast and depth.
The purple details, such as those on the rim on the dial face and the exhibition case back as well as on the band further, is a further nod to the vibranium that powers the suit. Absolutely beautiful.
Other details in Flying Tourbillon with hours and minutes functions, hand-wound 17-jewel mechanical movement (calibre 2965), 72-hour power reserve, 42 mm sandblasted titanium case with titanium inserts, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, black ceramic crown, 50-meter water resistance, white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, and rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp.
The Audemars Piguet x Marvel Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon is limited to just 250 pieces worldwide, with each piece commanding a cool 150,000 CHF, or about US$16,200. Yeah, you probably have to be a Wakanda prince to own one.
Images: Audemars Piguet.
