Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher

stijn_b · 2012-10-17T04:34:45Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition. See detailed photos and learn about its Cermet bezel, unique dial, and automotive-inspired design. Discover collector insights and pricing.

stijn_b

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

23 replies16125 views0 photos

Stijn_b's original post from 2012 offers a first look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition, capturing the excitement of its initial unveiling. This article delves into the intricate details and design philosophy behind this highly anticipated timepiece, providing context for its significance within the AP Royal Oak Offshore lineage. Readers can explore the unique features that pay homage to the legendary F1 driver, as presented by stijn_b.

23 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

It looks like we're the 17th, so we can finally unveil the AP ROO MS LE for the ones that didn't see it already...!

Sporting Performance Watches made by Audemars Piguet

Engineered by Audemars Piguet to the exacting standards of the world’s most successful race car driver, the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher features an imposing, 44 mm case which is available in 1,000 pieces made from titanium (Ref 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01); 500 pieces made from 18 carat pink gold (Ref 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01) and 100 pieces made from platinum 950 (Ref. 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01).

The anthracite grey dial, decorated with the Royal Oak Offshore’s famous ” Mega Tapisserie ” pattern, is subtly marked at the circumference of the tachymetre scale between the 12 and one positions with two blue and five red stars symbolising the driver’s record seven championship victories, two driving for Benetton in 1994 and 1995 and five driving for Ferrari from 2000 – 2004.

The minute track, meanwhile, is depicted with a discreet, black and white pattern evoking the design of a chequered flag and the galvanic chronograph counters (black on the titanium and pink gold editions, blue on the platinum edition) feature raised frames based on the dashboard instruments of a high-performance car.

The automotive imagery is further extended to the hour and minute hands which are of a form never before seen. Made from facetted gold with a white luminescent coating, they are loosely inspired by the silhouette of a racing car’s monocoque. The red-lacquered chronograph hands that complement them have been designed with especially blackened heads in order to help focus the eye on the indication and, for the first time ever on a Royal Oak Offshore, the date display is also in red.

Although the Royal Oak Offshore’s instantly recognisable shape is retained, the case material and details of the Michael Schumacher limited edition are specific to this watch. The one-piece, octagonal bezel is made from ultra-resistant Cermet, a material that is seven times more durable than steel and secured with eight automotive-style domed and inset nuts.

The specially – designed rubber strap – grey on titanium and pink gold editions, blue on the platinum edition – is attached by microblasted, satin-brushed titanium studs which emulate a racing car’s cooling scoops, while the microblasted crown (made from either titanium, pink gold or white gold) is machined to resemble a gear wheel and adorned with a red anodised, aluminium plate carrying the Audemars Piguet logo. Microblasted titanium guards protect the polished black ceramic pushpieces, which are topped with caps of either titanium, white or pink gold.

[B]Michael Schumacher – A life in Records[/B]

Michael Schumacher was born on January 3rd, 1969 and began his motorsport career as a boy, racing karts. By the age of 20 he had won German drivers’ championships in both Formula Konig and Formula Three, before being signed as a driver for Benetton Formula One in 1991. He won his first two world championships for the team in 1994 and 1995 before moving to Ferrari in 1996, with which he won five consecutive drivers titles between 2000 and 2004. This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2012-10-17 06:10:14 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2012-10-18 13:00:37

Key Points from the Discussion

The titanium version of the ROO Michael Schumacher retailed for $42,500 at its launch.
PuristSPro maintains a strict policy of adhering to brand moratoriums for official product releases, prioritizing integrity over being the first to publish leaked information.
The Cermet bezel, seven times more durable than steel, is a key feature that gives the watch a distinctive and potentially scratch-resistant look not fully captured in initial photos.
Some collectors expressed a preference for the rose gold model with the Cermet bezel and wished for different pusher designs and a race-themed leather strap option.
The titanium version, with its greyscale aesthetic, is particularly appealing to long-time collectors of Audemars Piguet.
One forum member found the design of the watch to be overly theatrical, suggesting it lacked the classic elegance expected.

The Discussion

ThomasM

Oct 17, 2012

Stijn, thank you for your enthusiasm...

as I'm sure you know, our policy here on PuristSPro is always to scrupulously follow brand moratoriums, regardless of what other individuals or media outlets do. We are well aware the press material has been leaked previously and have appeared "all over the internet" and as you can imagine, MichaelC, our AP moderator, has had access to this material just like other recognized sources, but has been respecting AP's own moratoriums and release dates. We have someone at the press conference in Berli

abnerc15

Oct 17, 2012

Well said... and You are the best... I'm seriously eager to know the pricing!!!!! [nt]

AnthonyTsai

Oct 17, 2012

Here are the retail prices on the AP Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher LE

26568IM - $42,500 (titanium) 26568OM - $75,000 (rose gold) 26568PM - $110,000 (platinum)

MichaelC

Oct 17, 2012

Absolutely Thomas.

We are all so passionate about AP. It gets to be very exciting leading up to a product launch. But we must maintain our standards and "honor the code" :-) The irony is that the places I saw the leaks coming from had nothing to do with watches. And here we are, an informed group of enthusiasts, having to sit on the sidelines and wait to engage. Well, that is the right way to handle it , and now we are able to discuss it.

MichaelC

Oct 17, 2012

Thanks Stijn. Do you have some personal thoughts on the piece?

Now that the piece is being officially released, we can engage in discussion. I am on record over the years for loving greyscale APs, so at first glance the titanium version is very appealing. But then, so are the other 2 variants as well (seems that is always the case) :-) I look forward to your remarks.

nautilus

Oct 17, 2012

I really like the look of the watch

I had been hoping that there would be a carbon version as this could have satisfied the space in my AP collection for a carbon watch. I think the MS watch has a strong look to it from a distance, it will be interesting to see how the different materials work together when you look at it on your wrist and I imagine that the very reflective and scratch proof cermet will give this watch a special look of its own that isn't necessarily translating in the photos. My favourites are the titanium and th