Audemars Piguet Joins Forces with Marvel

A surprising culmination to a surprising collaboration.

The world of watchmaking was left flabbergasted by the news that Audemars Piguet would be collaborating with Marvel, and they eagerly awaited what the partnership would bring. Would comic-book characters be compatible with the noble spirit of a Swiss manufacture founded in 1875?

The watchmakers in Le Brassus didn't dwell on the thought for very long though, and the Royal Oak Concept Black Panther model was unveiled on April 10. It really is an unusual watch for the brand, even when you consider the futuristic look of models from the Royal Oak Concept collection.

Changes have been made to the exposed architecture of movements in the past, but the dial now features a 3D rendition of the Black Panther — the superhero who was welcomed into the Marvel Universe in July 1966. Now that's a first! The watchmakers at Audemars Piguet decided that the presentation of this extraordinary model needed to go above and beyond the current standard for online events.

They unveiled the novelty as part of a show that was about more than just watches, featuring real-life superheroes. Inspiring stories were told by tennis player Serena Williams, boxer Anthony Joshua and basketball player LeBron James, who have also been turned into comic heroes. The event was livestreamed for Audemars Piguet fans from around the world with a live performance by the band Free Nationals and an auction held to raise money for charity.

A specially created single-edition version of the model was put up for auction in a hand-engraved white-gold case, which raised USD 5.2 million! The main Royal Oak Concept Black Panther model limited to 250 pieces has been given a 44 mm titanium case, while the bezel and winding crown have been crafted from black ceramic. 

The Black Panther is obviously the watch's decorative centerpiece, or rather the superhero's 3D miniature is. The superhero has been created from white gold with layers of paint applied to add shading to some his costume’s details. A team of four engravers and four painters worked on the watch series, who spent 30 hours on each comic-book big cat.

The Caliber 2965 used in this model has also undergone a transformation to create the harmonious backdrop behind the Marvel hero. The shape of the titanium bridges is meant to resemble the Black Panther's Vibranium-weave suit. The hand-wound movement equipped with a flying tourbillon has been assembled from 242 parts and can run for three days without having to be wound.

The Royal Oak Concept Black Panther and its eye-catching presentation have been met with mixed reactions. Fans remain divided when it comes to the question of whether a character from the Marvel Universe is compatible with the world of Audemars Piguet. It's true that we're more used to seeing comic-book characters on watches from a different price bracket.

Marvel's partnership with the Japanese watch company Citizen is one example that goes way back. However, the CEO of Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias points out that if Gérald Genta can take the liberty of putting Micky Mouse on the dial, there could well be a place for other fictional characters from popular culture in haute horlogerie.