Audemars Piguet has introduced two new versions of its Royal Oak Offshore models in ceramic. They include the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 MM and Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 MM.
Key Features
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43 MM
Image: Notice the iconic stainless-steel Royal Oak hexagonal screws on the bezel. The black date wheel contrasts well with the dark green dial, and black subdials and inner bezel.
Functions
Central hours and minutes. Small seconds on subdial at 6 o’clock.
Chronograph functions. Central flyback chronograph. 30-minute counter on subdial at 9 o’clock. 12-hour counter on subdial at 3 o’clock.
Date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Dial
Image: Notice the extraordinary details such as the tip of the central flyback chronograph hand, and the 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter hands all coated with beige luminescent material.
Dark green PVD “Méga Tapisserie” dial. Black snailed subdials and inner bezel. Hour-markers and Royal Oak Offshore hands are made from 18K white gold and coated with beige luminescent material.
Case
Diameter: 43 mm. Thickness: 14.40 mm.
Case is made from black ceramic. Bezel, screw-locked crown at 3 o’clock, and chronograph pushers are made from green ceramic. Crown chip, chronograph pusher guards, bracelet studs, and caseback are made from titanium. Dial and caseback feature a glare proof sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 100 metres.
The watch comes with an interchangeable dark green textured calfskin leather strap. An additional black rubber strap is provided. Both straps are fitted to a titanium pin buckle.
Movement
Image: The grey automatic winding rotor is made from 22K pink gold.
Powered by Calibre 4401, an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement with a flyback function.
Diameter: 32 mm (14 lignes). Thickness: 6.80 mm. Parts: 381. Jewels: 40. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve (minimum guaranteed): 70 hours.
Movement finishing includes “Côtes de Genève, vertical, circular and sunray brushing, circular graining and polished chamfers.”
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 50,900. Reference: 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01.
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42 MM
Image: All black ceramic is charming in its own way. Many collectors voice the fact that AP makes the best bracelets in the industry.
Functions
Central hours and minutes. Small seconds on subdial at 6 o’clock.
Chronograph functions. Central flyback chronograph. 30-minute counter on subdial at 9 o’clock. 12-hour counter on subdial at 12 o’clock.
Date aperture at 3 o’clock.
Dial
Image: The hexagonal screws are an integral part of the overall design. Black date wheel blends perfectly with the all black design.
Black “Méga Tapisserie” dial. Black snailed subdials and inner bezel. Blackened hour-markers and Royal Oak Offshore hands are made from 18K white gold and coated with grey luminescent material.
Case and Bracelet
Diameter: 42 mm. Thickness: 15.30 mm.
Case, including bezel, screw-locked crown at 3 o’clock, and chronograph pushers and guards, are made from black ceramic. Crown chip and caseback frame are made from titanium. Dial and caseback feature a glare proof sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 100 metres.
Integrated bracelet is made from black ceramic and features the brand’s new invisible pin design. It is fitted to a three-blade titanium folding clasp.
Movement
Image: Both Calibre 4404 and Calibre 4401 beat at 4 Hz, a high-beat rate common among modern watches. A higher beat rate equates to more stable and accurate timekeeping.
Powered by Calibre 4404, an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement with a flyback function.
Diameter: 32 mm (14 lignes). Thickness: 8.00 mm. Parts: 433. Jewels: 40. Frequency: 28,800 vph or 4 Hz. Power reserve (minimum guaranteed): 70 hours.
Movement finishing includes “Côtes de Genève, vertical, circular and sunray brushing, circular graining and polished chamfers.”
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF): 75,700. Reference: 26238CE.OO.1300CE.02.
Our Thoughts
The Royal Oak Offshore is “a daring and sportier take on the Royal Oak,” the latter among the most famous, iconic, and sought-after watch collections in the world. In terms of materials and colours, Audemars Piguet can experiment a great deal more with the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Watches in this collection are “bold, sporty, and sturdy.”
Both – the Selfwinding Chronograph 43 MM with its dark green dial, and combination of a black and green ceramic case with titanium elements, and the Selfwinding Chronograph 42 MM with its black dial, black ceramic case and titanium elements, and legendary AP bracelet made from black ceramic – are handsome additions to the Royal Oak Offshore lineup.
For collectors seeking a bold and sporty watch dressed in ceramic, powered by a superb haute-horology chronograph movement, and crafted by one of the most prestigious brands in the world, either one of these models will be a winner in their collection.
Audemars Piguet celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. We wrote about Calibre 7138, their new perpetual calendar movement and debut models in February. Please read here.
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