A Royal Oak Concept in vibranium for the Marvel superhero Black Panther

On the occasion of a global show and a unique charity auction, Audemars Piguet has just unveiled its first piece in tribute to Marvel superheroes, the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Black Panther.

A unique piece in gold and not in titanium was awarded on this occasion for the benefit of two philanthropic organizations, First Book and Ashoka.

In a few minutes, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has thus raised no less than 8 million dollars.

With this Marvel Black Panther edition of the Royak Oak Flying Tourbillon, here we are in a way, differently, in the footsteps of Gérald Genta, the Picasso of watches, who imagined the mythical Royal Oak for the Le Brassus manufacture in 1972. We know it. less but, from the 1980s, this genius watch designer had obtained from Michael Eisner the right to use Walt Disney characters, such as Mickey and Donald, on haute horlogerie creations.

An innovation that will shake Far from simply decorating the dial, here, the cartoon characters give the time using their arms, for Mickey, or by playing golf for Donald.

Because behind the apparent lightness, it is indeed retrograde minutes and jumping hours.

This Fantasy series will culminate in 2008 with a Gérald Genta Octo Ultimate Fantasy Mickey Mouse Tourbillon with an octagonal case for the 80th anniversary of the famous mouse.

Like an echo to that of the Royal Oak.

To read also:

Royal Oak, the idea in solid steel of Gérald Genta

Marvel / Audemars Piguet

And what is the equivalent of Mickey Mouse today in terms of impact on society and across generations?

Without a doubt the Comics and the mythical superheroes, starting with the thousands imagined by Marvel, Stan Lee and his teams.

As of this year, Audemars Piguet will in turn pay tribute to superheroes from the Marvel universe.

An idea that François-Henry Bennahmias, at the head of the house, had dreamed of for a very long time.

Read also:

Gérald Genta, the Picasso of the watch

Audemars-Piguet

The first superhero to come to life in an Audemars Piguet watch is therefore Black Panther, with a Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon which seems to have been carved from vibranium, the high-tech metal at the source of power and the innovation of the Kingdom of Wakanda.

T'Challa, prince then king of Wakanda, first appeared in the 1960s in the columns of the Fantastic Four.

It was necessary to dare, in America still largely segregated at the time, to propose a black Comics superhero, as the Stan Lee / Jack Kirby duo did.

Even if, in this case, the hero is not American, but supposed to come from an imaginary country of East Africa.

A country hidden from the eyes of the world, safe from colonization and from the incredible technological advances made possible by vibranium drawn from the soil of Wakanda.

An incredible rich mineral brought to Earth 10,000 years ago by a meteorite.

Capable of absorbing waves and shocks, this kind of high-tech graphene, both flexible and ultra-resistant, is used to make weapons and armor, and even the legendary Captain America shield!

Marvel / Audemars Piguet

This muscular piece gives off a feeling of strength and power.

Its resolutely futuristic-looking case juxtaposes titanium and black ceramic, associated with complex finishes, between polished, brushed and sandblasted.

Impossible looking at her like this, in her purple dress, not to visualize the high tech combination of T'Challa alias Black Panther and the power of vibranium.

The round titanium case is topped by an octagonal bezel and a black ceramic crown with a diameter of 42 mm.

Diode SA - Denis Hayoun

The dial is in itself an exercise in haute horlogerie style in its own right.

First with its flying tourbillon placed at 6 o'clock, but also with the rendering of the Black Panther character from Marvel who seems to be based on him.

Rendering in relief in this way means devoting around thirty hours to sculpting it in white gold before painting it, layer after layer for optimal rendering of volumes.

We find there the texture of his mask as of his combination with sharp claws.

The details of the body, muscles as well as of the face assumed an engraving by hand.

It took a special team of 4 engravers and 4 painters to decorate the 250 pieces of this first Marvel limited edition.

Studio Diode SA - Denis Hayoun

In the background of the superhero, titanium bridges dressed in gray and white DLC complete the picture, while we admire the open heart of the watch at 10 o'clock, where the barrel lives.

The open back of the piece allows you to gaze into its Caliber 2965 manual manufacture movement. Originally, this movement with 72 hours of power reserve was designed in 2018 for the Royal Oak Concept collection.

A tribute to Black Panther obliges, this special edition is offered on a purple rubber strap, and with a second black strap.

Allow around 160,000 € to wear this limited edition of 250 pieces on the wrist.