Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26030
A historically interesting and possibly unique automatic titanium prototype chronograph wristwatch with carbon fibre inserts, date, numbered 000/000
Manufacturer : Audemars Piguet
Year : Circa 2003
Reference No : 26030
Movement No : 566’034
Case No : P00243 and No.000/000
Model Name : Royal Oak Offshore Juan Pablo Montoya Chronograph, "Prototype
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Leather
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions : 42mm diameter (bezel)
Signed : Case, dial, movement and clasp signed - Celebrated as one of Colombia’s national treasures, Juan Pablo Montoya is among a handful of drivers who have not only won Gran Prix titles in Formula One, but have also found success in the Indianapolis 500 and Rolex 24 Daytona. Entering the world of motorsports through go-karting, Montoya’s career truly took off in 1996 as he raced in F3000 and Formula One testing, before making his F1 debut 5 years later. Having enjoyed a fruitful career in both Williams and McLaren, the athlete then moved on to compete in the NASCAR circuit in 2006. Still seen speeding through the tracks today, his years of dedication to the racing community have accoladed him as one of the greatest racing icons of our generation.
- In 2004, Audemars Piguet announced their appointment of Juan Pablo Montoya as a brand ambassador with the launch of a highly coveted Royal Oak Offshore in honour of this ‘beast’ of a racer. Gaining instant traction among AP collectors and racing enthusiasts, the ref. 26030PO is a limited edition of only 100 pieces.
- Lo and behold, the present Royal Oak Offshore Juan Pablo Montoya is a unicorn piece. Majestic inside and out, the present timepiece carries its own unique reference number, 26030IN, and certainly deserves its own Grand Prix title for its extreme rarity and powerful presence.
- Numbered 000/000 , this is a truly rare and distinctive prototype wristwatch, heavily influenced by the aesthetics and mechanisms of race cars. At first glance, one may only see a signature grand tapisserie patterned dial in blue. With a hidden twist, the centre of the dial is in fact embossed with a subtle waving checkered flag.
- Instead of using the usual hexagonal screws, its carbon-fibre bezel with 8-cylinder head screws is another notable feature, driven by this exciting sport. Combined with its pedal-like pushers and clutch-disk-shaped rotor, this substantial wristwatch is designed and crafted like a true auto racing machine.
- The watchmaker also took a step further into fine-tuning the leather strap with padded details, drawing from race suits worn by high-end motorsports competitors.
