Japanese toy company Bandai has teamed up with platinum-jewellery specialists Ginza Tanaka to create a pure platinum version of one of their popular Gundam range of toy robots.

The one-of-a-kind figure, which incorporates a 0.15 ct diamond, is estimated to be worth £250,000 and was designed by Hajime Katoki - who has been involved with the Gundam range since 1991.

Mr Katoki spent two years working on the project from its concept to its manufacture, with the rich detail of the figure requiring the use of 89 individual parts and 1,400g of platinum.

In Japan, the cartoon series Mobile Suit Gundam, in which the robot features, has enjoyed a huge following since launching in 1979 and has run to 12 animated series, 19 feature films and a raft of ever-popular collectibles and comics.

Fans will be able to see the figure at the at Baselworld 2007 jewellery expo in Basel, Switzerland from April 12th to April 19th, along with exhibits from 2,100 other jewellery companies in what is regarded as the biggest event of its kind in the world.

There are currently no plans to market the figure.

Sources: http://www.bandai.co.jp/e/releases/E2007032901.html
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/this-250-000-gundam-will-rock-your-uh-socks/

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