The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition

Michael Schumacher gets the ultimate swan song - the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition.  If you have followed Mr. Schumacher's career, then you'll know that when it comes to F1 car set-up he is as fussy and fastidious as they come, perhaps this explains why this watch - which he helped to design, has only just hit the press even though he has been an AP ambassador for almost two years.

Not suprisingly, this watch refers to the man's remarkable achievement of seven F1 World Championships which are marked with stars between one and two o'clock, 2 in Benetton-Blue, 5 in Ferrari-red.  Audemars Piguet bring new features to the collection, hour and minute hands which have been created to replicate the current F1 monocoque shape - elongated and slightly lanky (ahhh - remember the curvy forms in the era of Barnard and the likes, anyone...?) and the minute track characterised by chequered flag markers.

With such a legendary driver the use of "Schumacher" in the Schumacher Offshore is really quite restrained, which adds to the appeal of this splendid edition.  In addition to the dial novelties, only a "signed" sculpted rotor bears reference to the acclaimed sportsman who is set to retire at the end of this season.

The Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher will be available in three editions, a 1000 piece titanium edition, a 500 piece pink gold edition and a 100 piece platinum edition, each powered by the 3126/3840 chronograph movement.

More information at the Audemars Piguet Official Website.