#watches & #jewellery
Audemars Piguet “Black Suit Spider-Man” auctioned for record US$6.2 mln
May 29, 2023
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
![](https://hashtaglegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ROC_26632CN-OO-D100CA-01_closeup_GP26-1024x768.jpg)
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.
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.
Also see: Uniquely faceted: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm Collection
The auction
![](https://hashtaglegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AP-x-Marvel-Event-in-Dubai-2023-_-François-Henry-Bennahmias-CEO-Audemars-Piguet-and-Tom-Best-CEO-Founder-and-Auctioneer-The-Auction-Collective-_02--1024x683.jpg)
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.
![](https://hashtaglegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AP-x-Marvel-Event-in-Dubai-2023-_-@heronpreston-©Celeste-van-Rooyen-Photography-1024x682.jpg)
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