Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak Off Shore Chronograph

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been produced in a wide variety of limited editions, but one of the most sought after is this Juan Pablo Montoya model. Launched in 2004 to honour the adoption of Montoya as an Audemars Piguet brand ambassador, this limited edition of 500 pieces is packed full of Formula One references. Carbon fibre, that widely-used race material is present on both the bezel and the front face of the crown guards.

The design on the bezel bolts has been changed to mimic cylinder head bolts. The ridges on the pushers reference the grips on the F1 car’s pedals and even the regular grid of the trademark mega tapisserie dial has been changed to evoke the waving of a chequered flag. The lettering on the subdials is in a segmented digital format, copying the style of lap boards and race-day timing. Visible through the sapphire display case back is the winding rotor, shaped in the style of a disc brake. The black leather strap is stitched in squares as a reference to the quilting on the driver’s racing suits.

Underneath the surface is a classic 42mm Royal Oak Offshore powered by caliber AP 2226 / 2840 running at 4Hz and providing 42 hours of power reserve.

This watch numbered 168/500 was purchased in 2009 and is offered with full box and papers. There are minor scratches to the carbon fibre bezel and some dirt in the case crevices. Other minor marks are visible on the case and the clasp. The strap is in lightly worn condition.

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