Leo Messi’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Sells for $81,850

Fans will do anything to own memorabilia from their favorite sports player or celebrity. Whether it is a used towel or a luxury watch, fans will go to great lengths to own one of these items. Yesterday at an auction held by Sotheby’s, we saw another example of this. Barcelona futbol star Leo Messi put his Audemars Piguet No. 10 Royal Oak Chronograph wristwatch up for auction. It sold for $81,850 USD, with the proceeds going to Messi’s foundation.

Messi’s love for Audemars Piguet watches began in 2005. The managers of Messi’s Spanish club presented him with a Audemars Royal Oak to celebrate his first Liga title. That was the beginning of Messi’s love affair with Audemars Piguet watches. He began collecting these luxury sports watches and became an official brand ambassador in 2010.

Just like Leo Messi, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch is a one-of-a-kind showstopper. Introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak generated attention, as it was one of the first stainless steel luxury watches. It was also the first luxury sports watch. Just like Messi, the precision and performance of the Royal Oak is unparalleled. It features the standard octagonal Audemars Piguet bezel and is powered by an ultra-thin self-winding movement.

The specific watch that was sold at Sotheby’s was No. 10 of the Audemars Piguet Limited Edition Leo Messi Royal Oak. It has a diameter of 41mm and a self-winding mechanical calibre 2385 movement, all fitted onto an alligator strap. The watch is available in steel, pink gold, or platinum. In addition to winning this beautiful watch, the highest bidder will also get the chance to meet Messi in Barcelona.

In addition to Messi’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Sotheby’s also auctioned off a 74.53 carat diamond that previously belonged to the shah of Persia from 1909 to 1925. It sold for a record-breaking $3 million USD!

Keystone/AP Photo