Audemars Piguet stands as one of the esteemed trinity in the realm of watches, and among its renowned collections, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore shines prominently.
With a history spanning several years, the Royal Oak Offshore has not only stood the test of time but continues to command popularity today.
What lies behind the creation of this collection, and what sets it apart in its uniqueness? Join us as we delve into the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore’s fascinating story and distinctive features in this article.
When Did Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore First Come Out?
The inception of the Royal Oak Offshore dates back to 1993, initially conceived as an anniversary special edition to commemorate the original Royal Oak. Limited to just 100 pieces during its inaugural launch, this timepiece took the watch world by surprise.
Unexpectedly, enthusiasts quickly embraced its larger case size, propelling the Offshore into the spotlight as a flagship model. Over the years, it has served as a testing ground for innovative materials and limited editions.
Measuring 42mm across the case, the original Royal Oak Offshore bore the ‘Royal Oak’ engraving on the case back; ‘Offshore’ would only appear in subsequent releases. The pioneering reference, known as ‘The Beast,’ was unveiled as the ref. 25721ST.
The Next Innovation in Royal Oak Offshore
In 1996, the Royal Oak Offshore underwent its next significant update, premiering at Baselworld with eight vibrant color dials complemented by matching, brightly-hued straps.
A notable addition to this release was the inaugural all-gold model, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Beauty.’ Bearing the reference 25721BA, this model boasts a striking yellow gold 42mm case paired with a matching bracelet.
The introduction of ‘The Beauty’ marked a pivotal moment, elevating the Royal Oak Offshore beyond its utilitarian roots.
The decision to embrace a larger case size, a generous 42mm width, catered to a demographic of younger watch enthusiasts seeking a more contemporary alternative to the classic sub-40mm cases prevalent in many other brands.
The Differences Between Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore vs Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Offshore is frequently juxtaposed with its precursor, the Royal Oak collection, which serves as its origin. However, there exists a notable distinction between the two. To gain a deeper understanding of the dissimilarities, watch the video below.
The Characteristics of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
This collection possesses a distinct uniqueness that sets it apart from others. Let’s delve into some characteristics defining the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore.
1. Unique case
A standout feature of this timepiece lies in its substantial case, surpassing the dimensions of the Royal Oak collection. Additionally, it boasts distinctive attributes such as a hexagonal shape, visible screws, and an integrated bracelet.
2. Chronograph
Furthermore, depending on the case variant, the Royal Oak Offshore incorporates a chronograph, with pushers crafted from silicon, rubber, or gold.
The Offshore Diver model includes capped crown covers, and its integrated bracelet seamlessly tapers from the case to the buckle. In contrast to the classic Royal Oak, Offshore models are equipped with a pin buckle.
3. Tapisserie dial
Audemars Piguet is renowned for incorporating the Tapisserie or square dial patterns in its timepieces.
The Royal Oak Offshore, particularly, features the Mega Tapisserie, characterized by even larger squares than the Grand Tapisserie found on the traditional Royal Oak. Various sizes of the Tapisserie dial are employed in different Offshore models.
Must-Have Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Several of the various models within the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore lineup are worth considering for your collection. Here are some recommendations to guide your choice.
1. Royal Oak Offshore 42 15720ST.OO.A052CA.01 Green
This specific model, the Royal Oak Offshore 15720ST.OO.A052CA.01, belongs to the Royal Oak Offshore Diver series, a timepiece designed for durability and water resistance, making it ideal for divers or those who relish underwater activities.
The trendy and elegant green color adds a touch of class without being overly ostentatious. Featuring khaki hues, this watch is tailored for adventures, equipped with a new self-winding movement, Calibre 4308, distinctive dial aesthetics, and an interchangeable rubber strap.
The bezel stands out with impeccable detailing, showcasing a brushed upper face and finely polished slightly sloped chamfers. The slots on the screw heads align seamlessly to create a circular pattern.
The stainless steel case, adorned with two crowns at 3 and 10 o’clock, is crafted in black ceramic. The case boasts a harmonious blend of brushed matte and high-polished finishes, creating a visually appealing contrast.
2. Royal Oak Offshore 37 26231OR.ZZ.D010CA.01 White
The Royal Oak Offshore is often perceived as a men’s watch due to its sizable case, but there’s also a model tailored for women – the Royal Oak Offshore 37 26231OR.ZZ.D010CA.01.
This model features a 37 mm 18ct rose gold case and an octagonal bezel adorned with 32 diamonds (approx. 1.02ct), shielded by glare-proof sapphire crystal. The inclusion of diamonds and crystal imparts a distinctly feminine touch to the watch’s overall appearance.
The designers have opted for a neutral color palette, showcasing a white dial with the Tapisserie pattern. Luminescent-coated hands grace the dial, with a date window at 4:30. The self-winding movement, driven by caliber 2385, offers a power reserve of 40 hours.
A white rubber strap fastened with an 18ct rose gold deployment clasp secures the watch to the wrist. With water resistance up to 50 meters, this timepiece seamlessly combines style and functionality.
3. Royal Oak Offshore 26420SO.OO.A600CA.01
Another noteworthy timepiece is the Royal Oak Offshore 26420SO.OO.A600CA.01. This watch boasts a 43 mm stainless steel case featuring glare-proofed sapphire crystal and case back, a black ceramic bezel, push-pieces, and a screw-locked crown, all complemented by sandblasted stainless steel push-piece guards.
Its distinctive features include the Tapisserie pattern, black counters, and external zone. Also, white gold applied hour-markers with white gold Royal Oak hands, a luminescent coating, and a black inner bezel.
Powering the watch is the self-winding Calibre 4401 movement, providing a robust power reserve of approximately 70 hours, ensuring dependable performance and accuracy.
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