SIGNED AUDEMARS PIGUET, ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE MUSIC EDITION MODEL, REF. 15600CE, CIRCA 2022

To the best of our knowledge, the first example to be offered at international auction, this funky Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition line wristwatch was released in 2022 to celebrate Audemars Piguet’s longtime relationship with the music industry. Highly contemporary and audacious, the Music Edition presents a totally surprising and entirely new aesthetic for the brand. The present watch is the black ceramic version with titanium detailing, made in a limited edition of 250 pieces, it features a black Tapisserie dial that is printed with 10 different colours to replicate the VU meter display of a music deck equaliser. The hour markers are made of white gold with luminous detailing. Adding to the ‘music deck’ effect are the knurled studs with decoration inspired by jack plugs and large crown guards designed to imitate the faders on mixing consoles.

Of extreme hardness and equally difficult to work with as a material in watchmaking, the black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore case is a remarkable achievement. The ceramic used by Audemars Piguet includes Zirconium Oxide powder that is combined with a binding agent. In order to produce the uniform colour, it must be heated to a temperature of over 1,000 °C. After which, every part is meticulously finished by hand to create AP’s signature polished and satin-brushed surfaces.

Exuding a brilliant, colourful, pop-art vibe, the Royal Oak Music Edition has already become one of the most talked about and desirable models among AP’s contemporary production.