The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore series is perhaps one of the most successful luxury watch designs of the last twenty five years, with numerous notable references, some reaching cult status. In this blog we’re going to take a look at three classic examples we have here in stock at Time 4 Diamonds, the Navy, Havana and Elephant models and discuss the differences between them.
The Offshore Backstory
Audemars Piguet first introduced the Royal Oak Offshore series in 1993, with the 25721ST, with the original unveiling limiting the run to 100 pieces. Twenty five years and 100 references later, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore series occupies a place in the hearts of incalculable luxury watch fans world-wide. There are a number of specifications that unite our three Offshore models, the movement is Audemar Piguet’s newer Chronograph calibre 3126/3840, with 59 jewels, 365 parts and a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The classic Royal Oak Offshore case design features the distinctive 8-screw bezel, similar to the original, 1972 Royal Oak series that took its aesthetic from diving helmets. These second generation Offshore models also feature beefier, redesigner crown and pusher guards, as well ceramic chrono pushers and crown, replacing the earlier rubber-coated variants.
AP Royal Oak Offshore Navy
We’ll start by taking a look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Navy (26170ST). As its name suggests, this watch comes with a stunningly beautiful white mega tapisserie dial, with striking navy blue chronograph registers and a matching blue, rubber strap with steel pin buckle. Like other Offshore models in the range, the Navy features the classic case design, beefier crown and pusher guards and ceramic pushers and crown. For some, the Royal Oak Offshore Navy model is a Marmite product, you either love it, or you don’t. Either way, this is a simply stunningly elegant watch that would take pride of place in anyone's collection - take a look at our example on our site.
AP Royal Oak Offshore Elephant
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Elephant (26470ST) is another classic example from the iconic series. Released in 2014, the Elephant received a mixed reception at SIHH, but this particular second generation Offshore model quickly became a favourite amongst collections, earning the fond nickname “The Elephant” due to its unique grey and black colour scheme. Like other Offshore models, the Elephant is fitted with the trademark mega tapisserie dial, this time in slate grey, with black registers and black Arabic numerals. The black luminescent coating on the dial means that it displays different shades and hues of grey depending on the light conditions. The Elephant features a distinctive hornback alligator strap, with stainless steel pin buckle that tapers to 20mm - different to the Offshore Divers watch for example. When looking at an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Elephant, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular watch for enthusiasts and collectors a like - take a look at our own example to see why.
AP Royal Oak Offshore Havana
Our final example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore range is the Havana (26470ST) model. Like the other Offshore offerings, the Havana model features a stainless steel case, glare-proofed sapphire crystal and caseback, black ceramic pushers and screw-locked crown. Aesthetic differences with the Havana model include a mega tapisserie pattern brown dial, with brown counters, arabic numbers with a beige luminescent coating that glistens in the light. The watch sports pink gold Royal Oak hands and a brown inner bezel, topped off with a beautiful hand-stitched, “large square scale”, brown alligator strap with stainless steel pin buckle. This is a truly beautiful watch which you have to see to truly appreciate. Take a look at ours here!
If you’re interested in finding out more about either of the three Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores we’ve taken a look at in this article, or discover other luxury watches available from Time 4 Diamonds, then visit our site or contact us page, or alternatively, call us on 020 3893 2331.
