FIRST LOOK…

Audemars Piguet fans have been waiting for this one, and here it is — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition.   It has been just shy of two years since Audemars Piguet signed F1 legend Michael Schumacher, and as noted at the time, “Limited Edition(s) will surely follow.”  And follow they do, with three new limited edition models for the King of Formula 1 racing — titanium case (1000 pieces, Ref 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01) , rose gold (500 pieces, Ref 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01, and platinum (100 pieces, Ref. 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01), all 44mm, all with AP Cermet bezel, all with AP automatic mechanical caliber 3126/3840.  As usual Perpetuelle is here bringing you the first look — lots of pics, review of notable features and prices on the jump.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition

TITANIUM CASE — 1,000 PIECES LIMITED EDITION

Ref 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01

Like Leo Messi and others before him, Schumacher took a personal role in the creation of the watch bears his name, working closely with AP lead artistic designer Octavio Garcia.  The racing inspiration in this watch is apparent in certain respects, but in others it is quite subtle.

Notable design features that I would point out include two blue stars and five red stars (on the outer tachy scale) symbolizing the seven titles of world champion driver — two in blue for Benetton (1994 and 1995) and five for Ferrari (between 2000 and 200).  Note also the minute track (outer) with a cool “checkered flag” pattern.  And lastly the hour and minute hands, made of faceted gold — a new design from AP — are meant to emulate the monocoque construction of an F1 Car.

One of the first features you observe (and probably react as I did) are the exceptionally large chronograph pusher guards.  These guards are made of titanium (the pushers themselves are ceramic and titanium).

Some of the other, more subtle design aspects I alluded to include things such as the studs on the rubber straps (styled after cooling scoops), the crown (reminiscent of a gear wheel), and caseback (styled after wheel spokes).  Speaking of the crown, the metal of the crown matches the case metal, except for the platinum version which has a white gold crown.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition

PLATINUM CASE — 100 PIECES LIMITED EDITION

Ref. 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01

As I mentioned above the movement is AP’s current “standard” ROO chronograph movement, the caliber 3126/3840.  Translated, a base caliber (3126) + a chronograph module (3840).

With a record seven world championships, Michael Schumacher has won more victories, pole positions and points than any other driver in the history of the discipline.  

The man looks good with his new piece, don’t he?

Michael Schumacher Records:  7 World Championships, 91 Grand Prix wins, 13 victories in a single season (2004), 68 pole positions, 155 podiums, 76 fastest laps recorded in a single Grand Prix.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition

ROSE GOLD CASE — 500 PIECES LIMITED EDITION

Ref. 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01

Chronograph pushers are also special in that there are rectangular in shape, as opposed to round pushers seen on some other Offshore Chronograph models.  Again notice the red accent color given to the inside of the chrono pushers, which ties in nicely with the red aluminum inlay in the crown and other red accents on the watch

Something else interesting you can observe on the movement is the 22k gold rotor with anthracite finish that has the Michael Schumacher’s signature on it:

As noted above, price for the Audemars Piguet ROO Schumi is $42,500 in titanium, $75,000 in rose gold, and $110,000 in platinum.