Cover Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic and Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic and Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel
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More than 30 years later, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore remains bold and audacious
In 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the rebel that launched a movement, defying conventions by pricing a sports watch in steel at a premium. Twenty years later, it birthed an offspring that was even more audacious, the Royal Oak Offshore—nicknamed ‘the Beast’.
When it was released in 1993, the Offshore was considered a desecration of the Royal Oak. The Offshore was essentially its oversized version, thick and large with a 42mm case—unthinkable at the time when the biggest Royal Oak was a 36mm. Designer Emmanuel Gueit remembered Gérald Genta, the original Royal Oak designer, dramatically complaining that he had “murdered” his watch. But the public took to this “youthful boost” to the Royal Oak, gaining greater fame when Arnold Schwarzenegger collaborated on a special edition for his movie, End of Days.
The exposure raised its profile across the entertainment scene, its outrageous character embraced by hip-hop and sports icons like Jay-Z, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Schumacher. Sparking the trend for oversized watches, the Royal Oak Offshore’s robust nature has lent itself to experimentations with unconventional designs, colours and materials.
Read more: Audemars Piguet reacquires the most complicated pocket watch it created in the 20th century
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with turquoise accents
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with turquoise accents
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A great example is the latest Royal Oak Offshore Diver in 42mm stainless steel, which introduces three vibrant colours. A proper diver with 300m water resistance, the colours accent the classic tool watch with a contemporary twist.
There are two references in black dial, embellished with luminescent pink or turquoise along the 0 - 15-minute track. The numerals along the inner bezel appear in matching tones. The turquoise is paired with a matching strap but the pink comes with a white rubber strap.
See also: Have you met the Spider-Man Royal Oak?
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with pink accents
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with pink accents
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A third variation features a deep teal méga tapisserie dial with a white luminescent minute zone. A touch of pink gold on the hands and crown adds another pop of colour.
All models feature black ceramic for the winding and helium valve crowns, and are powered by the self-winding Calibre 4308.
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with dark teal dial and white accents
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver with dark teal dial and white accents
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Cutting-edge material combinations elevate the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph in 43mm. There are two new references, both powered by in-house Calibre 4401 with an integrated flyback chronograph.
Introduced last year for the Manufacture’s 150th anniversary, “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic graced the first. The ultra-sleek, deep blue is contrasted with titanium, appearing on the push-piece guards, the top of the crown, and the caseback frame. Similar contrast is found on the méga tapisserie dial, its beige providing a cool backdrop for the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” chronograph counters.
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic and titanium
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph in “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic and titanium
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The second model is in titanium with a black ceramic bezel, pushers and crown. The méga tapisserie dial is green with black and beige accents for better legibility.
Above Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph in titanium and black ceramic
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Chronograph in titanium and black ceramic
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These updates have given the Royal Oak Offshore not just a fresh perspective but also reiterate its dynamic character as a time instrument for the bold and adventurous.
Discover more at the new Audemars Piguet boutique at The Starhill.
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