Marvel at the Audemars Piguet ‘Black Panther’ Watch Heading to Auction
It is one of only 250 made in collaboration with the media franchise and could sell for up to $650,000.
In April, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Concept “Black Panther” Flying Tourbillon as part of a new partnership between the storied manufacturer and Marvel.
The brand first debuted the Concept watch in 2002 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak, one of its most iconic models created in partnership with influential watch designer Gérald Genta.
The Concept models gave the watch an avant-garde update, and the “Blank Panther” Flying Tourbillon has indeed kept with the revolutionary aesthetics for which they are known.
The watch takes its name and images from the Marvel Comics character Black Panther (real name T’Challa), who is the king and protector of the fictional African nation of Wakanda.
It features a laser-cut white gold figure of Black Panther, hand-painted with such detail, he seems ready to jump off the watch. It takes one of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen 30 hours of work to complete the Black Panther figure.
The vivid purple and black tones of the watch are also in keeping with the character’s color scheme.
When the Black Panther Concept model was unveiled this spring, a special white gold edition was sold at a celebrity-studded event to raise money for two charities, eventually selling for $5.2 million.
The brand also made 250 editions of it in titanium, and now one of them is heading to auction, making it the first to do so.
It’s expected to sell for between $380,000 and $650,000 in “Watches Online: The Marvelous Sale,” which runs now through Sept. 7 on Christies.com.
See: 3 Gérald Genta Watches
The watch auction also features several other designs from Genta.
This includes an Audemars Piguet Tropical Dial Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST “A Series” with the rare tropical dial. Only 2,000 examples of the series were produced before the watch brand moved into Series B.
There’s also the Gérald Genta platinum Minute Repeater with a green guilloché dial and platinum case, as well as two indications often associated with Genta—jumping hours and retrograde minutes—and a Patek Philippe Steel Nautilus with Date Ref. 5711/1A-001 with a 40 mm stainless steel case, black/blue dial, automatic movement, and stainless-steel bracelet.
See: Other Highlights in the “Watches Online” Auction
Other highlights include a Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 1579R in a pink gold case, of which there are only 82 known examples.
There’s also a Patek Philippe Platinum Minute Repeater Tourbillon Ref. 3939 with two high complications—a two-gong minute repeater and a tourbillon escapement—34 mm platinum case, and a black enamel dial, and a rare pink gold Rolex Ref. 8171 “Padellone,” one of only six examples to feature the “HL Mark II Officially Certified Chronometer” type dial.
The Latest
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.