audemars piguet tachymeter

Swiss watchmakers Audemars Piguet and Hublot have been at each other’s throats the last few decades. Although the former dates back about a century before the latter, today both are after the same upscale market of luxury buyers looking for a bold expression on their wrists. A couple of years ago Audemars Piguet pulled its sponsorship from America’s Cup, and Hublot didn’t miss a beat picking it up in its rival’s stead. Audemars came out with a watch to mark 200 year of Mexican independence, so Hublot did the same. Now that Hublot has acquired the license for official Formula One watches, Audemars Piguet has responded with an F1-inspired watch of its own.Named after Italian racing driver Jarno Trulli �C a brand ambassador since 2008 �C this latest special edition Royal Oak Offshore features a carbon-fiber case, ceramic bezel and titanium fixtures. Its face includes red luminous hands and markers, hiding the Calibre 3126/3840 automatic 59-jewel movement and affixed to the wrist with a sporty rubber strap. Only 500 examples will be made, launched during this month’s Japanese Grand Prix and available exclusively at Audemars Pigeut’s Tokyo boutique before being offered in other markets.

Photo: Larry Busacca / Getty ImagesLast night, during a nationally televised press conference for NBA super star LeBron James to announce where he would be playing next year, LeBron (aka King James) was wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore wristwatch. Specifically the Royal Oak Offshore Volcano Limited Edition. Not only did he announce one of the most blockbuster free agent deals (sign-and-trade deal) in NBA history, with his decision to go to Miami (LeBron James, Dwanye Wade and Chris Bosh will all play on the same team), but he did so in style with one of the very best brands in the world of haute horology on his wrist, Audemars Piguet. Check out other celebrity watches here.