Audemars Piguet introduces three new Royal Oak Offshore

By the last month of summer, Audemars Piguet had introduced three new Royal Oak Offshore. The first Offshore ones have a 37 mm rose gold case (12.1 mm thick) and a grey rubber bezel. They are paired with the ivory grande tapisserie dial with gold hour markers and come on a grey rubber strap with a mosaic pattern that slightly resembles shark skin. Inside is an automatic Caliber 5900 from AP with a 60-hour power reserve, which beats at a frequency of 4 Hz. Retail price: $47,200.

The new Selfwinding pair strives to keep things simple. They showcase key design elements, namely a more massive case with crown protection, but keep the style clean. The discreet design is attractive, especially for those who want an Offshore without intrusive details. The rubber-covered bezel means there is no Royal Oak signature finish, although rubber makes it more resistant to impact than metal.

Although Offshore has often become a testing ground for various materials such as carbon composite, ceramics, and rubber coating, the design usually retains the metal alloy bezel, finished with a high-quality polishing technique traditional to Royal Oak, which results in a signature play of light on contrasting coatings.

The 18-carat rose gold model is compact: its diameter is 37 mm and its thickness is 12.1 mm, which is usually described as an average size. The bezel is also made of solid gold, but covered with gray rubber, which echoes the Grande Tapisserie guilloche dial, finished in a metallic ivory shade. The indexes and hands are made of solid rose gold and filled with luminescent material for easy reading in dark conditions.

Like all the latest Offshore models, this model is equipped with a quick-release strap mechanism, which makes it easy to change it. It comes with an unusual rubber strap with an ivory mosaic pattern, although a more restrained black mosaic rubber strap is included.

The larger full-size model has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43 mm and a thickness of 14.4 mm. The stainless steel bezel is covered with blue rubber, matching the color of the strap and dial. The smoky blue dial of the Méga Tapisserie also has indexes and hands made of solid gold. Similarly equipped with a quick-release mechanism for the AP strap, it attaches to a more traditional blue rubber strap, although a black strap is also included.

The Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm is equipped with a 4302 manufacture caliber, which operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of 70 hours. The caliber is decorated with stripes, grain and bevels, and is equipped with a 22-carat rose gold rotor with a black coating. Retail price: $27,400.

The 43mm self-winding chronograph in a stainless steel case debuts with the Méga Tapisserie smoky bronze dial, a shade inspired by Habanos cigars. Its 100-meter water resistance should be sufficient for most sea excursions. Deep, rich tones blend seamlessly into the black inner bezel, which is combined with a crown and buttons made of black ceramic. Trapezoidal hour markers and hands, trimmed in blackened gold and covered with luminescent material, ensure clarity even in low light conditions.

The ensemble is rounded off by a luxurious brown alligator leather strap, hand-trimmed with Oxford patina, adding a touch of classic elegance. For those looking for versatility, the watch also includes an optional black rubber strap offering a more modern, sporty look. Retail price: $41,600.

Technical specifications of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Diameter: 37mm, 43mm. Thickness: 12.1 mm, 14.4 mm. Case material: 18K rose gold (37 mm); Stainless steel (43 mm)

polished ivory dial with Grande Tapisserie pattern (37 mm); smoky blue or bronze dial with Mega Tapisserie pattern (43 mm and chronograph). Indexes: gold overlay. Water resistance: 50 meters (37 mm); 100 meters (43 mm and chronograph)