Today, along with all my fellow Mexican watch collectors, I celebrate Mexican Independence Day and there’s no better watch that I would like to talk about for the occasion than the ultra elusive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico'. Released in 2010 by Audemars Piguet in a limited edition of 200 pieces in titanium with stainless steel bezel reference 26297IS.OO.D101CR.01 —reviewed by us here— and 100 pieces in 18K rose gold ref. 26297OR.OO.D101CR.01, this is for sure one of the most beautiful 'Pride' Royal Oak Offshores out there. Released as a celebratory piece to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Mexican Independence that took place in 1810, the 'Pride of Mexico' comes in the classic 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore case.
The Pride of Mexico is for sure one of my all-time grails and is fitted with a 'méga tapisserie' white silvery dial with green Arabic numerals and a red chronograph seconds hand, the watch features just the right amount of color to celebrate Mexico's Independence the right way. I love that the three colors utilized in its dial are representative of the Mexican flag and are very well executed to the exact Pantone as it should be.
Even though I think that the AP Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico' ref. 26297IS.OO.D101CR.01 in titanium with stainless steel bezel it’s a gorgeous watch and more understated, the 18K rose gold version is the way to go. I always like to say that you either go big or you go home. Why price might be of significant difference, the combination of 18K rose gold along with the silvery dial and the colorful accents works in a phenomenal way and justifies going for the gold one, at least for me. And of course immediately after its release the watch was sold out but if you look hard enough, you can always find a friend trying to unload one.
Something I absolutely love about the ‘Pride of Mexico’ is that when you turn the watch over, there is an engraving of the 'Angel of Independence' that is located at a roundabout in 'Paseo de la Reforma' —Mexico City's most important avenue— and which is a constant reminder of my time there. As a dual citizen —Mexican born and naturalized American—, my love for Mexico will never cease and this watch is one of those that I wish every Mexican watch collector would get to own.
The 'Angel of Independence' most commonly known as 'El Ángel' —the angel— was built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence and years later it was turned into a mausoleum where the remains of the most important Independence war heroes are kept. This historic landmark is a point of reference in the city and also the place where we typically gather to celebrate the victories of the Mexican national soccer team 'El Tri'.
To round out this amazing limited edition watch, both versions of the Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico' are presented in a special wooden box with the colors of the Mexican flag and topped with a medallion that features the same engraving of the 'Angel of Independence' that appears on the case back of the watch. The box in itself is simply a treasure with the Mexican flag and the angel on it.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico' is equipped with a very elegant dark green —almost black looking— alligator hornback leather strap with light green contrast stitching and the usual folding buckle. On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with an incredible wrist presence.
If words like 'Bandasha' or 'El Baby' bring the fondest memories every time you hear them and make you almost relive your 'wonder years' in Mexico City like I do, then I hope today you are screaming ‘Viva Mexico’ with this limited edition on your wrist. And if you don’t own one, then let the hunt begin.
Viva Mexico Ca&$@#es!
For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
