Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello Chronograph Watch Honors Racing Champion

In honor of Audemars Piguet Ambassador Rubens Barrichello’s latest record, the famous watchmakers have designed a new timepiece in the Royal Oak Offshore collection. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello chronograph for 2008, constructed of pink gold and featuring a new engraved caseback with Barrichello’s logo and the number 257, commemorates Barrichello’s record of the same number of Grand Prix entries. Since first racing Formula One in 1993, Barrichello has placed in the top five at the world championship five times, including runner up titles in 2002 and 2004, and has also won 61 podum finishes, nine wins and 13 pole positions. His latest accomplishment breaks Riccardo Patrese’s record of 256 Grand Prix entries, and May 11th will be Barrichello’s 257th start at the Istanbul Grand Prix.

Brand CEO Georges-Henri Meylan said of Barrichello, “His generosity, approachability and kindness are universally acclaimed by everyone who knows him. We wanted to express our admiration for Rubens in our own way, both in terms of his career and his human qualities. We are delighted to show our support and to have had him as one of our ambassadors since 2005.” The first Rubens Barrichello watches were released in 2006, with platinum, titanium and rose gold versions limited to 1,650 pieces. The latest model is limited to one piece, worn by Rubens Barrichello exclusively. The Formula One inspired watch has a bezel featuring eight engine inspired screws, a bezel joint modeled after a ventilated disc brake, pedal shaped strap attachments and pushpieces similar to an air extractor, ideal elements to honor Barrichello and his outstanding accomplishments in the famous racing arena.

Technical specifications, courtesy of Audemars Piguet:

References:
26286RO.OO.D002CR.01
One of a kind
Movement: Calibre: 2326/2840, self-winding
Case: 18-carat pink gold with titanium pushpieces and crown protector; ceramic medallion bearing the inscription
“Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition Rubens Barrichello”, “R. Barrichello – 257 – New Grand Prix Record” and adorned with the Rubens Barrichello logo; water resistant to 100m
Bezel, pushpieces: Ceramic
Crown: Titanium with ceramic insert
Dial: White, partially open-worked, with exclusive “Méga Tapisserie Racing” motif
Strap: Crocodile leather with exclusive AP folding clasp; titanium attachments
Functions: Hours and minutes; small seconds at 6 o’clock; central chronograph with sweep seconds hand, 30- minute and 12-hour counters; tachometric ring; date