Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet unveiled its new Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” model, the second iteration of its collaboration with Marvel which started in 2021. With only 250 pieces available, a Black Spider-Man edition went into auction for charity that fetched a whopping US$6.2 million

This limited edition of 250 pieces features a mesmerizing open-worked movement with a 3D silhouette of the Super Hero. For the launch event in Dubai, a unique piece among two other lots was auctioned to benefit First Book and Ashoka, two non-profit organizations that both work to encourage young people to become agents of change.

The watch, the comic legend

Presented in a 42 mm titanium case contrasted by a black ceramic bezel and crown, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man”’s open-worked movement, Calibre 2974, reveals the superhero in his iconic red and blue suit.

This limited edition of 250 pieces is accompanied by a unique piece in which Spider-Man wears a black suit, referencing his appearance from select past comics, such as the 1984’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” #252. This lesser-known representation of the superhero gives the timepiece an element of mystique, as does the luminescent material, which glows green in the dark, used on the hands, hour-markers and part of the character.

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Combining ancestral watchmaking know-how and cutting-edge technology, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” features a white gold case which has been decorated with a spider leg motif. The case is first laser-engraved to create the spider’s legs, which are then filled with luminescent hybrid ceramic. It is then combined with a black ceramic bezel and a black ceramic sapphire caseback which bears the inscription “Royal Oak Concept Unique Piece” in white.

Equipped with an interchangeable black and grey rubber strap fitted with a titanium AP buckle, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” is accompanied by a second black and red rubber strap, matching the Marvel superhero’s famous suit. The unique Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Black Suit Spider-Man” is complemented by a textured black rubber strap and a second black calf leather strap with a textile effect featuring white stitching.

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The auction

The new Royal Oak Concept “Spider-Man” limited edition and the one-of-a-kind piece, were revealed during an event held in the highest tower of the Central Park Tower in Dubai. Featuring a cocktail created by Three-Michelin-star chef Björn Frantzén, a mesmerizing performance by free climber Alexis Landot and an exclusive DJ-set by Heron Preston. The auction was followed live in several AP Houses around the world.

The funds raised, US$8.5 million in total, will allow Audemars Piguet to continue to support the educational programme set up with First Book and Ashoka two years ago in the United States.

In April 2021, Audemars Piguet raised funds for this project thanks to the auction of the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon unique piece, which supported a first group of 25,000 educators and approximately 750,000 young Americans between the ages of 5 to 18. It marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Audemars Piguet, First Book and Ashoka.

Photos courtesy of Audemars Piguet

Also see: Cover Story: Audemars Piguet, masters of time