Audemars Piguet Is (Gently) Reinventing the Royal Oak Offshore
Audemars Piguet likes to move at its own pace. It took the company nearly two decades to rework the Royal Oak, debuting the Offshore 20 years after predecessor launched in 1972. Of course, even then, there was some pushback — legendary watch designer Gérald Genta, creator of the original Royal Oak, was reportedly incensed by the larger size — but AP knows when it's got a good thing going.
Thus, it's imagining the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in 43mm, 1mm larger than the size that set off Genta back in the day.
Using Genta's Royal Oak as a template, AP designer Emmanuel Gueit originally created the Offshore in the late '80s as a response to the "more is more" mentality of the time — no surprise that the Governator himself was drawn to the timepiece.
The new 43mm is a fresh look for the watch, which was available in 42mm until now. It's still plenty "muscular," as Audemars Piguet suavely describes the Royal Oak Offshore, with thick ceramic bezels atop visible black gaskets, chunky silicon chronograph pusher caps, and colorful faces that match the varied straps, easily swappable through AP's interchangeable system. There's a ROO for every occasion, ranging from titanium and stainless steel to 18-carat pink gold ($36,200-$56,000).
Looking for something a little more classic? Fret not, Audemars Piguet is also reissuing its Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs in new variants, including watches in gold or finished with delicate Mega and Petite Tapisserie accents, all powered by the new Calibre 4404 integrated chronograph. These are a little bit more costly, depending on the model ($33,400-$83,000), but you presumably know what you're getting into if you're in the market for an AP.
Remember, other famous AP ROO admirers include Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and JAY-Z, so at least you'll be in good, well-monied company.
