Audemars Piguet's Tribute to Lionel Messi

Although each accolade awarded to Messi holds its own value, the young athlete distinctly remembers the time he won his first La Liga title in 2005. It was this very day that he also got the opportunity to possess his first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

The watch had such a great impact on the footballer, that soon enough Messi became a Royal Oak collector and also, an avid Audemars Piguet fan. As one would expect, Messi was then named Piguet’s brand ambassador in 2010, and now in 2012 the brand has dedicated a 41mm chronograph to him.

Limited to only 1000 pieces, The Royal Oak Leo Messi is the brand’s third and final limited edition watch for 2012. The brand took their philosophy “to break the rules, you must first master them” to heart, with the design of this watch. Veering from the traditional Royal Oak designs, this watch comes in a slightly larger size with a reinvented dial. In order to make the watch “sportier”, the designer chose to steer away from the steel strap, and instead opted for an alligator and rubber one. Most surprising however, is the use of the rare watchmaking material, tantalum—a material that is difficult to machine and polish, but is extremely resistant to corrosion. The Royal Oak Leo Messi comes in three versions, steel/tantalum, pink gold/tantalum, and platinum/tantalum.

“A Royal Oak is a sports watch and a luxury watch in one. I am proud to have played a part in creating this limited edition. Upon seeing the drawing and initial prototypes, I fell in love.” – Lionel Messi