Nearly $8.5 million was raised at auction to mark the launch of the new Marvel-inspired Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man”

Audemars Piguet unveiled on May 25 its new watch inspired by the world of Marvel superheroes: the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon "Spider-Man", limited to 250 pieces. Presented in a 42 mm titanium case with a black ceramic bezel and crown, this watch illustrates the blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The key design element is the openworked caliber 2974 movement, which reveals an engraved, hand-painted Spider-Man as if he was floating thanks to the watch's transparency. This is yet another concrete expression of the collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Marvel, initiated in 2021 with the launch of the Royal Oak Concept "Black Panther" Flying Tourbillon.

CEO of Audemars Piguet, François-Henry Bennahmias, expressed his delight at the collaboration: “For this second collaboration with Marvel, we want to pay tribute to Spider-Man, one of the most popular Super Heroes in the Marvel universe, who is aware that with great power comes great responsibility. And, to mark the occasion, we are pleased to reiterate our commitment to First Book and Ashoka’s work to empower young people to become agents of change; they are our real-life heroes.”

Alongside the limited-edition Spider-Man watch, Audemars Piguet is also auctioning a unique piece called the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon "Black Suit Spider-Man". This watch showcases Spider-Man in a black suit, referring to the one worn by the superhero in several 1980s comics, with a white gold case finely engraved to mimic a luminescent spider’s web. The auction was conducted in Dubai's Central Park Tower and followed live in several AP Houses around the world. The event featured a cocktail reception by Michelin three-star chef Björn Frantzén, a free climber Alexis Landot performance, and a DJ set by Heron Preston, followed by customers, press, and celebrities.

The sale was a rare success, as the timepiece fetched $6.2 million. The auction proceeds, featuring three lots including the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon "Black Suit Spider-Man", raised $8.5 million, and will benefit US-based non-profit organizations, First Book and Ashoka. First Book, based in Washington D.C., provides access to new books for children in need, while Ashoka, located in Arlington, Virginia, fosters social entrepreneurship globally.

These funds will further Audemars Piguet's "Time For Change: Dream, Act, Change Our World" initiative, inspiring young people from low-income communities to become agents of change. With over 50 000 books distributed, benefiting 750 000 students aged 5 to 18 across the United States, and reaching 25 000 First Book educators serving children in need, the program plans to expand internationally to Brazil, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Canada, and Indonesia.