WOW. What else to say about the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Limited Editions.   Argentine Football (soccer) superstar Leo Messi became a brand ambassador for Audemars Piguet in 2010 (as we told you at the time), and today he gets his own AP — actually there are three different models, and all look awesome.  The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Limited Edition watch is based on the new 41mm Royal Oak chronograph announced this past January (also as covered by Perpetuelle), and will come in three different models, all shown below.    A couple subtle details I would note here is the use of tantalum bezel, and the lack of the AP “tapissierie” pattern dial, both of which I like.  And also as I mentioned, but reiterate, the 41mm case size which is awesome (up from the historic 39mm).  Everything about this watch is superb — I think Lionel Messi put it best:  “The Truth is that the result is spectacular” (translated–see video below).  Read on as I break down all the details for you…

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi Chronograph Limited Editions

41mm Steel/Rose Gold/Platinum Case, Tantalum Bezel, automatic mechanical AP Caliber 2385

Steel Case, tantalum bezel, brushed anthracite dial, strap in anthracite

Limited edition of 500

Pink gold Case, tantalum bezel, brushed anthracite dial, strap in anthracite

Limited edition of 400

Platinum Case, tantalum bezel, brushed dark blue dial, strap in dark blue

Limited edition of 100

Lionel Messi Audemars Piguet Chronograph VIDEO

Did You Know?

In 1972, before Leo Messi was even born, Audemars Piguet brought out a revolutionary watch designed by Gérald Genta, named the Royal Oak. It was made in steel, powered by an ultra-thin self-winding movement… and sold at the price of gold. The first luxury sports watch was born. Its aesthetic codes (an octagonal bezel, a 39 mm diameter and a tapered steel bracelet) upset all the conventions of the time. Forty years have gone by, but the Royal Oak hasn’t skipped a beat and remains an icon of sporting elegance. Leo Messi discovered Audemars Piguet in 2005. To celebrate his first Liga title, the managers of his Spanish club presented him with a Royal Oak. It was love at first sight. And that was just the first chapter in the love story between this promising Argentine footballer and this unusually designed watched. Leo Messi then began to collect Royal Oaks and it wasn’t long before he slipped into the role of brand ambassador in 2010.