Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph iN Colorful Ceramic

The 30th anniversary of Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Offshore, aims to celebrate a modern take on the classic Genta design, which first made its way into the public eye back in the 1970’s. These interpretations have mainly focused on being more performance-driven by swapping out core components, like caliber 3840 with its 50-hour power reserve, which is now replaced by caliber 4401 with a power reserve of 70 hours. But beside that these two specific models standout due to their unique mix of distinct materials and contrasting color-scheme. Although they aren’t a complete first within the AP catalog, they are definitely less common and therefore bound to garner attention on that fact alone.The 43mm diameter and 14.4mm height case is available in either black ceramic with blue ceramic bezel, or 18k rose gold with a titanium bezel. Both cases feature a mix of polished bevels and a vertically brushed surface finish, while AP’s signature octagonal bezel also has a vertical satin-brushed finish and both contain eight exposed stainless-steel screws.On the flip-side is a sapphire exhibition case back that allows a view into the inner workings of the mechanical movement. It showcases several purple jewels and a semi-skeletonized oscillating weight decorated with the “AP” inscription.The ceramic parts seen on both models were made using an intricate production method. To obtain these colorful tones the ceramic is created by mixing Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder with a special binder, which is then heated to approximately 1,000°C. Additional steps include initial polishing, brushing, and careful hand finishing, resulting in aforementioned smooth edges and brushed surfaces.It comes equipped with two push-pieces (in either blue ceramic or black in black-DLC titanium) that activate the chronograph functions, plus a screw-in setting crown adorned with the AP logo. All topped by a glareproofed sapphire crystal, slightly curved from 6 to 12 o’clock to fit the curved profile of the bezel. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (328 feet).Time is exhibited on either a smoked blue or gray dial, both the iconic “Méga Tapisserie” and gold applied hour-markers in 18k rose or white gold, followed by a printed minutes/seconds ring circling its periphery. Both models also feature a sloped black inner bezel with a white printed tachymeter scale.It features three snailed sub-dials: a 12-hour counter at 3 o’clock, a sub-seconds at 6 o’clock, and a 30-minute counter at the 9 o’clock position. There is also a date window placed between the 4 and 5 o’clock spots.The central hands are also made of white or rose gold (like the applied hour markers), and all of these elements have been filled with a luminescent filling, for an enhanced legibility.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph

The ”Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 4401 with 40 jewels, 367 parts and 28,800 vph. Power reserve can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on these watches are interchangeable calfskin leather straps with a textile effect that matches the color of the dials in blue or gray, secured by a gold pin buckle. Plus each model comes with an additional second black rubber strap. For more up to date information visit the official Audemars Piguet links below.

 

Audemars Piguet, AP, Royal Oak, Offshore, Chronograph, Ceramic, Luxury Watches