The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore has been a coveted piece in haute horology since its debut in 1993.
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Nicknamed “The Beast” for its large size and robust build, the timepiece was designed by Emmanuel Guiet. It is easily distinguishable due to its octagonal bezel and hexagonal screws. The Royal Oak isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a popping expression of personality and individuality. And these newest releases cater to those watch enthusiasts looking for a versatility that suits an exhilarating lifestyle.
Stainless steel, titanium and pink gold versions
With this hot release, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph comes in three 42 mm models- stainless steel, titanium or 18-carat pink gold. All three dials feature an innovative dial design (Petite Tapisserie). They are improved by a “Mega Tapisserie” motif finished in varying hues.
Pink Gold Petite Tapisserie
A tapisserie pattern is a weave-like pattern forming a square and rhombus design that absorbs light and highlights the dial’s intricacies. For the first time, the Royal Oak Offshore is presented with “Petite Tapisserie” in 18-carat pink gold. That means the spacing of the design has been crafted to be tighter and more refined.
For a better understanding of the craftsmanship behind these dials, see AP’s video on how they make these beautiful artisanal pieces.
Hand-finished case and bracelet
The 42 mm Royal Oak offshores have been fitted with the latest selfwinding integrated flyback movement, the Calibre 4404 with an open glare-proofed sapphire caseback.
Titanium Petite Tapisserie
When you pay close attention, you’ll see the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight and the movement’s refined hand-finishing. In addition you’ll see the polished chamfers. You can also see the inner workings of the chronograph hammers. When the reset button is pushed, the hammers operated by a lever hit the instruments central projection pieces (known as cams) to bring the wheels and hands immediately back to 0.
The nuance of the flyback function allows the wearer to stop, reset and start the chronograph in one simple action. The movement offers a generous 70-hour power reserve. That generates a frequency of 4 Hz, comprising 40 jewels.
Interchangeable strap system so you can personalize it
The case and bracelet of all three timepieces have been hand-finished with the Manufacture’s staple alternation of satin brushing and polished chamfered edges. The date window has been finished with a loupe (small magnifying glass) integrated into the dial to magnify the numeral.
Each piece has a case thickness of 15.2 mm and is 32 mm in diameter.
Stainless Steel Petite Tapisserie
The added versatility to this lineup however, lies in the interchangeable strap system. And for the first time, Audemars Piguet has presented this for metal bracelets as well. The easy click-and-release design has been fitted with a double-push system for added security when the watch is being worn.
Two new 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore models from Audemars Piguet with Mega Tapisserie dials
The dials don’t disappoint
The metal bracelet can be easily and quickly replaced with the durable rubber strap (Click here and scroll down to see for yourself). That’s ideal for when you’re headed on an offshore expedition or your next sporting adventure.
The stainless steel edition of the Audemars Piguet watch comes with a blue rubber strap, pink for the gold model and black for the titanium. The 2021 interchangeable strap array also includes a light blue and a khaki textured rubber strap, Also, it has one in a black calfskin leather, allowing you to accessorize and personalize your timepiece.
Elegantly machined
Coming to the exciting dials, Audemars Piguet never disappoints. The tapisserie of AP dials is instantaneously recognizable and is what makes these timepieces so cherished and valued. The stainless steel edition features the iconic blue dial of the Royal Oak Offshore from 1993 known as “Night Blue, Cloud 50”.
The pink gold has pink gold-toned hands and hour markers accenting the case color. The titanium sports a light grey dial with black accents and black inner bezel.
Audemars Piguet is one of the most coveted watch brands in haute horology. And they certainly have done a remarkable job once again in debuting elegant and timeless luxury pieces that have instant appeal and gravitational pull.
Out of these three, my personal favourite is the stainless steel model. I love the way the midnight blue dial has been complimented with the accent blue rubber push-pieces and screw-locked crown. The brushed stainless steel case is bold yet elegantly machined. That makes it all flow so seamlessly together like one beautiful piece of art.
Pricing:
- Stainless steel: $51,842 CAD ($40,600 USD)
- Titanium: $51,842 CAD ($40,600 USD)
- Pink Gold: $105,982 CAD ($83,000 USD)
The back of the steel Audemars Piguet Mega Tapisserie Royal Oak Offshore with cal. 4404
Daron Halajian received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ryerson University. He has worked for American Express as a Travel and Lifestyle Consultant servicing elite clientele. He writes in both English and Armenian and his works have appeared in publications in Beirut, Los Angeles, Montreal and Toronto.
