Indianapolis F1 wristwatch takes pole position at Antiquorum's auction

Next month, Antiquorum will be carrying out the charity auction of a fine Hublot Aero Bang watch for the benefit of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

That will not be the first highlight of the season for them however, as their upcoming auction in just two weeks' time in New York promises to be one that fans of rare and collectible timepieces will not want to miss.

The sale is expected to be topped by an Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Indianapolis F1 Grand Prix" prototype, one of just three in existence, made in 2000 as part of a joint project between Audemars Piguet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Owners.

Together, they designed these extraordinary Royal Oak wristwatches to give to the winner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix Indianapolis Motor Speedway Races. The prototypes were made featuring the famous logo on the dial.

Audemars Piguet F1 Indianapolis
Audemars Piguet 'F1 Indianapolis' Royal Oak wristwatch
(Click to enlarge)

Unfortunately for their plans, Michael Schumacher won the race that year, and was unable to accept the timepiece as he was already under contract with another prominent Swiss watch manufacturer. The collaboration was never completed.

But that misfortune for them is a boon for fans of fine unique watches as it presents an opportunity to acquire this exceptionally rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Tonneau-shaped, large, self-winding and water-resistant, the 18 karat yellow gold wristwatch features a round- button chronograph, registers and the date.

Estimated at $25,000-$35,000, the piece will go under the hammer at Antiquorum's Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces auction on September 15.

 

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