Film director Ryan Coogler spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

At Comic-Con San Diego, during director Ryan Coogler's announcement of British actor David Jonsson as the new Black Panther, Coogler himself wore the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Black Panther Flying Tourbillon Ref. 26620IO on its distinctive purple rubber strap. This 2021 limited edition represents one of only 250 pieces ever produced, making it one of the most exclusive haute horlogerie collaborations in recent watchmaking history.

The Ref. 26620IO builds on Audemars Piguet's legendary Royal Oak Concept platform, housing the manufacture's calibre 3110, a hand-wound flying tourbillon movement beating at 21,600 vph with approximately 72 hours of power reserve. The case measures 44 mm in diameter and is crafted from Grade 5 titanium with sandblasted finishing and satin-brushed, polished titanium inserts, creating visual depth through contrasting surface treatments. A black ceramic octagonal bezel—a signature Royal Oak element—frames the display. Water resistance stands at 20 metres, appropriate for a haute horlogerie dress piece rather than a diver.

What distinguishes this Black Panther variant is its extraordinary dial. Rather than a traditional printed or applied design, Audemars Piguet commissioned a hand-painted three-dimensional rendition of T'Challa in white gold, rendered with such precision that the figure appears to possess genuine depth and dimensionality. The tourbillon cage beneath creates an interplay of movement and artistry unique in the reference's lineup. The purple rubber strap, inspired by Wakanda's vibranium aesthetic from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, breaks from the Royal Oak Concept's typical presentation and cements this watch as an entertainment-driven collectible.

Ryan Coogler's choice to wear the Black Panther Flying Tourbillon at this pivotal moment—announcing the continuation of his cinematic vision—carries symbolic weight. The director's stewardship of the Black Panther franchise and his creative vision align perfectly with Audemars Piguet's investment in thematic storytelling through haute horlogerie. Coogler wearing his own collaboration piece underscores the authenticity of the partnership.

At launch in 2021, the Ref. 26620IO carried an official retail price of approximately $145,000 USD. Current pre-owned examples typically command $180,000 to $220,000 USD on the secondary market, reflecting strong collector demand and the scarcity imposed by the 250-piece production limit. These watches rarely appear for sale, and waitlists for future Black Panther Royal Oak Concept releases remain oversubscribed.