While there might be some dispute regarding who the best watchmaker ever is, there is certainly no dispute that Lionel ‘Leo’ Messi has become the greatest football player of all time. As such, collaborating with Audemars Piguet on a variant of one of watchmaking’s best and most iconic timepieces only seemed natural and as such, in 2010 the two industry tycoons created the Royal Oak Leo Messi Limited Edition ref. 26325OL.OO.D005CR.01 as a tribute to Lionel Messi, the world-renowned football icon. Limited to just 400 pieces, this timepiece brings together both the sporting world and haute horology in perfect synergy. Boasting a 41mm 18kt rose gold case that is contrasted by a dark tantalum bezel that lends to the timepiece’s unorthodox, yet highly sophisticated appeal by pairing with its dark grey dial free of the Royal Oak’s signature “Tapisserie" pattern, the resulting design is a subtle breakaway from the Royal Oak’s signature aesthetic; a nod to Leo Messi’s stature as an global superstar. Featuring 18kt rose gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands to match its construction, the overarching design is as beautiful as it is powerful, much like Leo’s style of play on the football pitch.

A coming together of two icons of their respective industries, the Leo Messi edition of the Royal Oak Chronograph is a wonderfully executed timepiece that breaks from the traditions of its overarching design language in subtle ways that pay homage to its collaborator's incredible acheivements.