Following the announcement of its long-term partnership with Marvel, the Swiss manufacturer Audemars Piguet has just unveiled the first creation of this collaboration: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept "Black Panther" Flying Tourbillon replica watch. A 42 mm timepiece in microblasted titanium with a black ceramic bezel and crown which will be produced in a limited edition of 250 pieces.
The least we can say is that we did not expect that ... If Audemars Piguet has managed to make the "buzz" work with this partnership with Marvel, announced with great fanfare in a very Hollywood show by François-Henry Benhamias, the result seems to disappoint - the word is weak - fans of the brand.
Indeed, for a few days, social networks, in particular Instagram and its watch enthusiasts who have become mavericks, who do not hesitate to turn brands, their marketing and their communication into derision, into ridicule, are giving themselves away to heart-joy!
This replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” thus triggered a whole series of taunts - some of which are quite funny, moreover, we let you look for them - comparing the watch to competing models less upscale like those of the Hong Kong-based Memorigin or, certain Technomarine; these two brands have also had licensing agreements with Marvel in the past.
Well, beyond this outburst of passions, we must not forget that these are "only watches", that there are more serious things in life! But we must admit that we did not expect that ...
Some people imagined that the AP would instead present Millenaries or Code 11:59 featuring horological complications paying homage to superheroes: satellite or jumping hours, retrograde minutes, etc. A bit like Gerald Genta Mickey in the 80s / 90s.
Well no ! The Manufacture in Le Brassus preferred to focus on the Royal Oak Concept for this first limited edition: here it is offered in a 42mm case waterproof to 50 meters.
The case
Forged in titanium, the microblasted case adjoining polished titanium inserts is topped by an octagonal black ceramic bezel that alternates satin and polished surfaces. The hexagonal screws are satin steel. We also notice, between the box and the bezel, the visible purple seal. The sapphire crystal case-back, also micro-blasted and satin-brushed, partly reveals the micromechanics.
The dial
At 6 o'clock, the dial brings together a flying tourbillon with the Marvel hero Black Panther in white gold, hand painted. The figure's silhouette and volume were previously cut from a gray gold disc using a CNC machine.
The three-dimensional silhouette in white gold of Black Panther was completely hand painted: 30 hours of work were necessary to achieve this reproduction of the Marvel hero. The texture of the costume was laser cut before being engraved by hand. Details adorning Black Panther's body, from his hands and claws to his muscles and facial features, were hand carved by one craftsman.
Appearing in the background, the laser-textured titanium bridges with black and gray PVD coating
recall the faceted costume of the hero. The dial also reveals the movement's perforated barrel at 10 o'clock, offering a view of the mainspring which produces the energy required for the watch. The flange is purple like the bracelet.
The moevement
This watch is fitted with the manually wound Caliber 2965 - 72h power reserve - equipped with a flying tourbillon and originally launched by Audemars Piguet in 2018 as part of the Royal Oak Concept collection.
Inspired by the costume of the Marvel hero Black Panther, the geometric bridges in titanium adorned with a black and gray PVD coating of Caliber 2965 reveal, on the dial side, the tourbillon cage at 6 o'clock and the openwork barrel at 10 o'clock.
Comments
Post a Comment