The Royal Oak Concept collection combines aggressive modern design with some of Audemars Piguet’s most impressive watchmaking. Tourbillons are just the beginning.
History of the Royal Oak Concept
In 2002, Audemars Piguet celebrated the 30th anniversary of their famous Royal Oak by creating the Royal Oak Concept. AP has released more than 30 distinctive Royal Oak Concept references, but it all started with one: 26081AI.OO.D003SU.15, better known as simply “CW1.”
Not only did the CW1 feature a tourbillon and a jaw-dropping dynamographe complication (torque indicator), but its case was made from a blend of alacrite and titanium. Exotic high-tech materials and bleeding-edge complications have been a hallmark of RO Concept watches ever since.
Characteristics of Royal Oak Concept Models
| Size | 38.5mm-44mm |
| Movement | High complications. Most are tourbillons, and the most advanced is a supersonnerie (a minute repeater with a tourbillon and chronograph functionality) |
| Dial | Mostly openworked |
| Material | Various combinations of gold, titanium, carbon, alacrite etc. |
| Bracelet/Strap | Rubber or leather strap (various colors) |
| Market Price | Approximately $125,000-$750,000 |
Notable Owners
LeBron James – Multiple-time NBA MVP and champion LeBron James has been seen wearing a Royal Oak Concept Black Panther.
David Lee – Former NBA All-Star, and husband of tennis champ Caroline Wozniacki, David Lee was reportedly seen wearing a Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie.
John Mayer – Among his many, many notable watches, Mayer apparently owns (or at least owned) a Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon Chronograph.
Kevin Hart – Kevin Hart’s impressive watch collection includes a Royal Oak Concept Spiderman.
Ed Sheeran – Ed Sheeran also owns a jaw-dropping watch collection that includes an AP Spiderman.
Grey Market Royal Oak Concept Watches
Royal Oak Concept watches are so rare and exclusive that the most desirable ones can go well above their (already enormous) retail price. Black Panther Concepts are just shy of $400,000 on the grey market, while Spider-Man versions are typically over $500,000. However, the Royal Oak Concept line has been around for over 20 years now, and there are dozens of models to choose from–most of them closer to $150,000.