British carmaker Rolls-Royce recently unveiled the very first example of “La Rose Noire”, a creation estimated to be worth around 25 million euros. Its special feature? A splendid Audemars Piguet watch, grafted onto the dashboard. The order is said to have been placed by a major French fortune, perhaps Bernard Arnault?
Watches have always had their place in the automotive world, whether measuring speed against distance with a tachometer, or guaranteeing the driver a precise display of the time. In the 1930s, Bugatti called on Breguet to design an on-board chronograph. More recently, Bell & Ross designed a removable clock-watch for a Peugeot concept car. Even Tissot recently teamed up with Alpine to integrate a watch into the dashboard of a more affordable car. And after a last collaboration with Bovet for the splendid Boat Tail, Rolls-Royce has once again continued the tradition.
The British automaker’s new model, the Rose Noire, is making headlines, and rightly so. Its exorbitant price, its rarity, its exceptional finish, everything is reaching new heights. So, for the on-board clock, a luxury manufacturer was the obvious choice.
Design and watchmaking
This time, Audemars Piguet worked hand in hand with the British carmaker. The result? A unique timepiece that owners can wear as a watch or insert into the dashboard slot, transforming the watch into an on-board clock. The watch in question is a 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, equipped with an exceptional automatic movement, caliber 4407.
It is perfectly integrated into the dashboard of “La Rose Noire”, a Rolls-Royce worth 25 million euros, which will see only four examples produced. This superb two-seater convertible sports a dark red hue that creates an elegant contrast with the leather and wood interior. In addition to housing the watch, the latter even features a dedicated champagne compartment, accommodating a large bottle as well as two crystal flutes. Under the hood, the car is equipped with a powerful 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, developing 600 horsepower.
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Featured photo : © Rolls-Royce
