Audemars Piguet Black Panther & 2021 Patek Philippe Watches: Reviewing Watches & Wonders 2021

Tonight, Tim discusses the 2021 Patek Philippe Calatrava models and the controversial Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon. After a week of new Rolex and Patek Philippe Nautilus fixation, Tim is ready to talk about Patek Philippe dress watches and complications. Further, the polarizing fruits of Audemars Piguet's collaboration with Marvel Entertainment will be treated to an in-depth review. As Watches and Wonders 2021 draws to a close, Tim shares his thoughts and viewer wrist shots with our global audience. No 2021 will prove to be more controversial than the AP Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon. This 42mm titanium tourbillon watch is a limited edition of 250 pieces, and its price is bold: $162,000. The flashpoint is Audemars Piguet's strident use of a hand-crafted miniature of T'Challa, the fictional King of Wakanda and current bearer of the Black Panther's mantle. Although hand-engraved from white gold and hand-painted, the presence of a literal comic book character on the dial of a luxury watch has driven objections and second guessing. Recent "Marvel" themed watches from novelty manufacturers and Hong Kong-based Memorigin have, to an extent, poisoned the well of public perception. Watch buyers are inclined to view "superhero" watches as toys for kids or low priced baubles falling short of high luxury. While Audemars Piguet artisans reportedly spend over 30 hours finishing the Black Panther figurine by hand, the very sight o