Created in the limited series of only 1000 pieces (in steel/tantalum, pink gold/tantalum and platinum/tantalum), a new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is dedicated to one of the best football (soccer) players in the history. This stunning timepiece is based on the new 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph that the Swiss watchmaker presented earlier this year, as a part of the anniversary edition of Royal Oak watches.
Leo Messi with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Watch
Leo Messi has been Audemars Piguet’s ambassador since 2010 and it was about time to get a personal model of his favorite watch brand. The Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph has several important changes when compared to the previous models, which makes it authentic and highly attractive timepiece. The first thing you will notice is the absence of the brand’s trademark – the legendary “tapisserie” motif. Instead, there is a clear and elegant, vertically brushed anthracite dial with hour indices in white gold for the steel version, while the pink gold variation matches pink gold markers. Finally, the platinum version features a deep blue dial, with white gold hour markers.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Limited Edition Watch Detail
The size went up, from the conventional 39 mm diameter to the diameter of 41 mm. The bigger size which is more appropriate for chronographs nicely opens the dial, making sub-dials and the date more readable. An alligator strap is another sign of distinction. (It matches the color of the dial). It replaces the usual stainless steel bracelet. Besides, the Limited Edition Leo Messi Royal Oak is also available with an additional rubber strap.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Pink Gold
The new chronograph preserved eight hexagonal screws in polished white gold, which is another trademark of the brand’s most famous collection. However, the bezel comes in tantalum, a rare material with great resistance to corrosion and high density which gives subtle, blue and grey color effects.
The watch is powered with an AP’s in-house Calibre 2385. Made of 304 parts, this self-winding movement oscillates at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), providing 40-hour of power reserve. Beside highly accurate timekeeping performances, it provides small seconds, date and chronograph functions.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Platinum
The Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph is created in the Limited edition of 1000 pieces: 500 in steel/tantalum, 400 in pink gold/tantalum and 100 in platinum/tantalum. Each of them comes in an original box, decorated with the player’s dedication.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Limited Edition Watches
Commenting the fact that Audemars Piguet is one of the few watchmakers that are still owned by the founding families, Leo Messi said that staying independent in the corporative world had become a mark of courage.
“Elegance means nothing without courage. It’s pretty much the same on a football pitch. You can dribble past all your opponents and carry off the finest technical feats; but if your team ends up losing the match, it’s just a meaningless waste of energy. I’m proud to have played a part in the creation of the Royal Oak Leo Messi, and proud that it bears my name”, said Massi.
