Wristwatch Journal
The Royal Oak Offshore was presented in 1993, heralding a bolder style for the iconic Audemars Piguet luxury sports watch. The ROO offers a more powerful and sportier take on the model. Since then, this testosterone-fed version of the Royal Oak has stood out for its bold design and generous dimensions and it has given Audemars Piguet the opportunity to combine a number of innovative materials. Following this tradition, a daring trio of Camouflage Royal Oak Offshore models was added to the collection a few months ago. Let’s take a closer look.
Initially unveiled at SIHH 2019, this quirky trio of Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44mm follows the introduction of a first camouflage version of the model in 2018. Ironically, camouflage is originally intended to reduce visibility… but here it creates a commanding presence. Still, if you are ready for their bold style, these new Royal Oaks will feel totally cool.
These Royal Oak Offshore Camouflage are available in khaki green, blue or brown. The first two options are presented in steel cases with ceramic bezels, push-pieces and a screw-locked crown matching the colour of the dial. The third piece comes in a gold case with brown ceramic elements. From a technical perspective, the specifications are identical to these of the standard 44mm ROO chronograph. The case is 14.4mm thick and the water-resistance is guaranteed to 100m.
The dials are embossed with the Mega Tapisserie pattern. The three contrasting registers follow a 12-9-6 layout. At 3 o’clock, the recessed date is displayed through a magnifying glass. The Royal Oak Offshore hands are paired with luminescent baton hour markers. Last, a tachymeter scale is transferred on the black flange framing the dial.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Camouflage is powered by the manufacture Calibre 3126/3840. This automatic movement is based on the brand’s Calibre 3120, fitted with a Dubois Depraz module. Measuring 29.9mm in diameter, it runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and it can store 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound. It is visible via the exhibition caseback with an openworked monobloc rotor.
The three watches are worn on a camo rubber strap secured with a pin buckle. And if you’d like to skip the combat mode from time to time, they are also delivered with a spare monochromatic rubber strap matching the colour of the dial.
The price for these Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44mm Camouflage is set at CHF 32,400 for the steel versions (ref. 26400SO) and CHF 48,500 for the gold version (ref. 26401RO). For more information, please visit www.audemarspiguet.com.
Technical specifications – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 44mm
Case:
44mm diameter x 14.4mm height – stainless steel or pink gold case, glare-proofed sapphire crystal and caseback, ceramic bezel, push-pieces and screw-locked crown – stainless steel or pink gold push-piece guards – 100m water-resistant
DIal:
Mega Tapisserie pattern – rhodium-toned or gold-toned and luminescent hour markers – Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating – available in khaki green, blue or brown
Movement:
calibre 3126/3840 – modular chronograph, self-winding – 29.92mm x 7.16mm – 59 jewels – 365 parts – 21,600 vibrations/hours – 50h power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters
Strap:
camouflage rubber strap with stainless steel or pink gold pin buckle – additional rubber strap matching the colour of the dial
References:
26400SO.OO.A055CA.01 khaki green
26400SO.OO.A335CA.01 blue
26401RO.OO.A087CA.01 brown
Price:
CHF 32,400 in steel
CHF 48,500 in gold
