Audemars Piguet

AndrewD
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The Schumacher Trio

When I think of motor racing and watches the first products that come to mind are AP’s Royal Oak racing series. After Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher is synonymous with Formula 1 for me. So AP and Shuey are a great combination that hopefully transcends watch marketing.

The Schumacher ROO comes in titanium (1000 pieces), rose gold (500 pieces) and platinum (100 pieces). Overall the design is purposeful and draws on some of the design features of the other ROO racing variants. The red highlights of the chronograph displays and date (which brings that recessed date forward, at least visually) and the two blue (for world Championships with Benetton) and five red (Ferrari) stars are fun for the initiated and a talking point for owners. The diameter is 44mm which is not small, but the watch hugs the wrist well. The ceremet bezel looks great and makes the bezel as hard and as scratch resistant as the sapphire crystal which is comforting for day-to-day wear.

Bravo to AP for having these watches available in Boutiques soon after the official launch. I walked into the Geneva AP Boutique and was able to try on the Pt and RG versions and then found the titanium version in a nearby AD. Perfect to be able to consolidate my opinion from the on-line images already posted here.

Aesthetically I prefer the blue/RG dial and blue rubber strap of the platinum version, but on the wrist I preferred the lighter titanium.

Andrew

Platinum Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher, Reference 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01

Rose Gold Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher, Reference 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01

Complex faceted hour indices and gold hour and minute hands with the profile of an F1 car.

The movement colours look great with a skeletonised winding weight cut to resemble air intake ducts. The movement is a Cal. 3126/3840 running at 21,600vph with 55h power reserve.

Titanium Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher, Reference 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01

The usual complex case finishing we are familiar with from AP is present in spades. Surfaces are polished, brushed, anodised, frosted and microblasted.

The complex crown is cut to resemble a gear.