A F1 legend and the AP’s main artistic designer, Octavio Garcia, worked together for the first time and created three stunning series of Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher watches. Either crafted in titanium (1000 pieces), rose gold (500 pieces) or platinum (100 pieces), these bold chronographs represent the high-end of sport elegance.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Platinum Watch Front
With a record seven world championships, Michael Schumacher is recognized as one of the greatest F1 drivers in the history. Statistically, this remarkable German driver is definitely on the top of the list, holding number of F1’s records that include race victories (91), the fastest laps in a single Grand Prix (76), pole positions (68), points scored and most races won in a single season – 13 in 2004. About two years ago, Audemars Piguet signed Schumacher for the brand’s ambassador, announcing limited edition(s) in perspective. Finally, that day has come and the renowned Swiss watchmaker proudly presents three new limited editions of the Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher chronographs.
Michael Schumacher Wearing Audemars Piguet Watch
Several notable elements that indicate the racing spirit of the edition are used very smarty in order to pay a tribute to the King of Formula 1 racing and his stunning carrier, while keeping the signature design of the Royal Oak Offshore watches. For example, seven stars, symbolizing the number of Shumacher’s world champion titles, are nicely incorporated with the tachymeter scale, on an anthracite inner bezel ring. Two blue stars symbolize titles won by the F1 legend while driving for Benetton (1994 and 1995). Five red stars refer to Shumacher’s Ferrari era.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Platinum Watch Dial Detail
A minute track at the dial’s outer rim is decorated with the cool “checkered flag” pattern. Besides, faceted gold hour and minute hands feature a new design, the reminiscent of the monocoque construction of a F1 Car. A crown recalls a gear wheel, while a very cool case-back symbolizes wheel spokes. Red accents on the watch look pretty impressive. They are so subtle, but at the same time, they are very important elements for the final impression of a good taste and harmony. Beside five stars, a date numeral at the black surface is also red, as well as chrono hands, accents on rectangular chronograph pushers and aluminum inlay in the crown.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Rose Gold Watch Dial
Each version of the new Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher watch is powered by an AP’s Caliber 3126/3840 self-winding mechanism (a base caliber 3126 plus a chronograph module 3840). This high-quality movement comprises 365 components, including 59 jewels and a monobloc oscillating weight in 22 karat gold, with an anthracite finish inscribed with the Michael Schumacher’s signature. The mechanism oscillates at the frequency of the 21’600 beats per hour and provides 55 hours of power-reserve.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Rose Gold Watch Caseback
New ROO watches feature characteristic robust cases, with the diameter of 44mm. Each incorporates an extra-hard Cermet bezel, secured by 8 polished stainless steel screws. Pushpieces are composed of a polished black ceramic base, topped by micro-blasted cap, either in titanium or gold. An anthracite galvanic centre of the dial featuresRoyal Oak’s signature – ” Méga Tapisserie ” pattern. Finally, both sides of the case are covered with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Titanium Watch (Ref. 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01)
The titanium version is limited to 1000 pieces. It is logical that the version with the lowest price ($42,500) has the largest production. Titanium goes perfectly with the gray color of the central dial pattern and a rubber strap with a titanium pin buckle. Black external zone on the dial features eight white gold, applied hour-markers and one double hour-marker at the 12 o’clock position, all covered with white luminescent coating.
Black galvanic sub-dials are finely grooved, featuring raised frames blackened inside and rhodium polished on the top. The 12-hour counter is located at the 6 o’clock position, the 30-minute counter is at the 9 o’clock, while the small-seconds sub-dial takes the 12 o’clock position.
Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Rose Gold Watch (Ref. 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01)
A Rose Gold version comes in the Limited Edition of 500 pieces and it is available for $75,000. It is definitely the most stylish timepiece in the Michael Schumacher edition. Rose gold makes a beautiful contrast with the gray Cermet bezel and a gray rubber strap with an 18 karat pink gold pin buckle. The dial is the same like the one of the titanium version, except the external zone on the dial which is white and features rose gold, applied hour-markers.
Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Platinum Watch (Ref. 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01)
Made in the limited series of just 100 pieces, this platinum version is the most distinctive watch in the collection. This bold looking chronograph nicely combines a sporty look with elegance and luxury. It seams like the perfect representative of Michael Schumacher. This watch features blue chronograph sub-dials and the outer rim of the dial in the same color. They perfectly match a sporty, blue rubber strap. The only disadvantage of the ROO Michael Schumacher in platinum is its price of $110,000.
