Today, we are bringing you this post from the archives to celebrate that Michael Schumacher is out of the coma following his skiing accident on December 29th, 2013. Coincidentally enough, this post was published for the first time almost a year ago. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher Limited Edition is one of the most fascinating watches paying tribute to the second greatest Formula One driver that has ever lived. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Schumi' —as most people refer to it— is available in Titanium, 18K Rose Gold and Platinum. All three watches are fitted with a Cermet bezel that is just perfection. The 'Schumi' in Titanium ref. 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01 is limited to 1000 pieces, while the Rose Gold and Platinum are limited to 500 and 100 respectively. This watch is fitted with a stunning gray dial with an anthracite galvanic center featuring the 'Méga Tapisserie', alternating checkered flags on the outer ring of the dial and black galvanic chrono registers with raised surrounds. The flange is also made of anthracite with a tachymeter scale in white and a total of seven stars between the twelve and one o'clock markers to commemorate Michael Schumacher's seven Formula One World Championships.

The seven stars are divided into two colors; two blue stars honoring Schumacher's victories with Benetton and five red stars honoring his victories with Ferrari. The calendar wheel is black and the date font is red. Depending on the lighting conditions, sometimes it is a little bit difficult to see the date. In order to create perfect harmony, all chronograph hands are red, while the running seconds hand at 12 o'clock is white.

The crown and pushers are almost identical to those on the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Limited Edition and they are very easy to use. The racing nature of this watch is present in every single detail of it. One of our favorite details on this watch is the shape of the crown and its red insert with the AP logo in white. The pushers are made of a polished black ceramic base and capped with a micro-blasted titanium cap. The Cermet bezel is almost scratch-proof and features highly polished sides that almost look like a mirror.

The case, plots, strap buckle and case back are made of very high grade titanium with one of the nicest colors, almost resembling the hue of tantalum. The case back is fitted with a sapphire crystal allowing for a full view of the Audemars Piguet calibre 3126/3840. This calibre featuring 59 jewels, 365 parts and a rotor with Michael Schumacher's racing logo provides a power-reserve of 55 hours when fully wound.

The attention to detail on this watch is just fascinating. From the Cermet bezel to the hexagonal allen wrench screws that fasten it to the case, this watch is pure perfection from design to execution. The watch is fitted with a beautiful gray rubber strap that matches the dial and bezel just perfectly. The strap is very comfortable and it features a tang buckle in titanium.  

This fantastic reference is a must have for all those watchlifestylers that are ready to pay tribute to one of the most amazing racing drivers of all-time and for those looking to make a statement wherever they go.

The Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition is a timepiece that has everything to join the ranks of the Rubens Barrichello, the Montoya and the Grand Prix Limited Edition Offshores. 

Sticker Price $42,500 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.