In January 2023, we sold a highly desirable, limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi edition in the Luxury Watch Sale for £31,200 (including fees). Now, if you have had trouble in the past remembering the various model numbers of Rolex watches, good luck with Audemars Piguet. This particular watch is reference 26325TS.OO.D005CR.01 which I’m sure you agree, rolls off the tongue beautifully.
Audemars Piguet
Reference numbers aside, there is no doubting the quality of Audemars Piguet watches. Recognised as being a member of the horological Holy Trinity, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, the company has been producing some of the finest watches for almost one hundred and fifty years. Amongst the many models the company has produced during its rich history, the Royal Oak is perhaps the most iconic. Penned by Gerald Genta as the ultimate luxury sports watch, it features a unique case design which has remained almost unchanged for 50 years.
The octagonal bezel is secured by eight hexagonal screws. It is, in this instance, made from the very rare, corrosion and scratch resistant, blueish grey metal, tantalum. At 41mm, the case is purposeful yet wearable and with a thickness of 11mm. It is a watch that can be discreetly slipped under a shirt cuff whilst strolling through the dodgier parts of your chosen city.
Royal Oak & Leo Messi
Audemars Piguet marked their 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak with the Leo Messi reference. They limited the release to just 1000 pieces offered in three variations – steel, gold and platinum.
Aside from the unusual bezel material, these versions differed from the standard through their use of an alligator or rubber strap rather than a bracelet, and the absence of a tapisserie dial.
Their release in 2012 coincided with an incredible season for Messi as he scored 91 goals for club and country and was awarded one of his seven Ballon d’Ors. Showing no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by his World Cup-winning performance just last December, the now 35-year-old number 10, is arguably the greatest player in the history of football and boasts an astonishing number of records, including:
Most
- Liga goals
- Liga hat-tricks
- Ballon d’Ors
- ESM Golden boots
- goals in a calendar year
- Argentinian caps
- individual World Cup appearances
As well as
- Youngest Argentinian World Cup scorer …and many more.
In fact, the only thing apparently missing from Messi’s resume is fulfilling his childhood dream of one day playing for the mighty Nottingham Forest!
The relationship between Audermars Piguet and Leo Messi began in 2005 when the footballer was presented with a Royal Oak by his manager following his first Liga title. From this point on he would be an avid collector of Royal Oaks and in 2010 became brand ambassador - with their shared values of passion, precision and rigour cited as being at the heart of the collaboration.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Leo Messi edition at auction
With an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000, Lot 2 went on to sell for £24,000 hammer. It was sold with its original box and papers.
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