The year 2021 marked the beginning of a very close partnership between watchmaking powerhouse Audemars Piguet and entertainment giant Marvel. To welcome Marvel into the AP family, the Le Brassus based watch brand unveiled the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon. This limited edition of 250 pieces was revealed during the Live Show which was publicly broadcast around the world. It was hosted by stand-up comedian and actor Kevin Hart alongside Audemars Piguet’s Chief Executive Officer François-Henry Bennahmias, with LeBron James, Serena Williams, Ian Poulter, Anthony Joshua, Lu Han, Jon Gray and Mark Ronson in attendance.

Apart from the major unveiling, the live show also featured a dedicated auction of a “one-of-one” unique version of the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon. The watch was auctioned off for USD 5.2 million and all proceeds of the sale will be utilised in supporting Audemars Piguet established non-profit organisations First Book and Ashoka. These organisations are working towards bringing about agents of change in low-income and historically excluded communities. For the occasion, Serena Williams, Ian Poulter and Anthony Joshua also auctioned off dedicated lots in profit of the educational programme developed by First Book, Ashoka and Audemars Piguet.

Details of the watch:

Inspired by Marvel's Black Panther character, this “one-of-one” unique timepiece auctioned off during the event is crafted in an 18K white gold case and bezel. The white gold dial is decorated with a very detailed rendition of Black panther with streaks of purple inculcated on the suit for sharper contrast. It also houses the words “Unique Piece” on the inner purple bezel that can seen via the sapphire caseback.

The Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon unique timepiece auctioned off for USD 5.2 million comes in a purple rubber strap and houses the hand-wound Manufacture Calibre 2965 with 72 hours of power reserve.

The 250-piece limited edition Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon follows the same design philosophy of the earlier timepiece. The only difference is the case material used for the watch. The case of the limited edition is made from screwed-down titanium case with a ceramic bezel and crown, while the auction piece is made of 18K white gold.

The price of the Limited Edition Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon is INR 1.21 crore approx (150,000 CHF).