One of the very first batch of this collaboration is Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon. The limited edition’s futuristic design recalls the cutting-edge suit of Marvel’s Black Panther. The sandblasted titanium case topped off with black ceramics opens onto a hand-painted 3D rendition of the Super Hero.
Inspired by historical character watches, including some of Gérald Genta’s timepieces from the 1980s, Audemars Piguet wanted to pay tribute to the next generation of inspirational superheroes and focused on the powerful Marvel Universe. The partnership with Marvel is the latest example of how Audemars Piguet continuously looks beyond Haute Horlogerie for inspiration, notably in the realms of pop culture and the entertainment industry.
Read: Sparks Your Wrist with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Quartz
The dial features hand-painted white gold 3D Black Panther character, purple inner bezel with Arabic numerals on it, while the Royal Oak hands comes with white gold with luminescent coating for better readability in any conditions.
The watch, which combines sophisticated horology and pop culture, piqued the curiosity of not just collectors but also some powerful sportsmen. The AP Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon has already been seen on the wrists of three elite sportsmen below.
Draymond Green
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Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors power forward and the three-time NBA champion is also well-known as AP collector, with Royal Oaks in a variety of materials adorning his wrist at all times.
He is frequently seen wearing his Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel in black ceramic, but he was recently spotted wearing the AP Black Panther as he entered a stadium before a game, indicating that he has increased his AP collection with the new watch collaboration with Marvel.
Neymar Jr.
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While flying to the United Kingdom for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, Neymar Jr was seen wearing the Audemars Piguet and Marvel collaboration watch.
The PSG forward is a big fan of flamboyant watches, because he’s often seen with Rolex GMT-Master II 116759 SARU with a pave diamond dial and a bezel bedecked with sapphires and rubies to match the PSG stripe. And now, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon is something that he wears often when travelling with the Paris squad.
Virgil Van Dijk
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Liverpool captain, Virgil Van Dijk often seen wearing the Patek Philippe Aquanaut as his go-to watch. But, in a recent interview when he announced he won’t be playing in this year’s Euro’s, he’s spotted wearing Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon. If you look at this watch, it really fits the character of Liverpool’s doorstop.
