Audemars Piguet is presenting a new line within the Royal Oak Offshore collection. The five new models appear in an enhanced 43 mm case made of stainless steel, titanium or rose gold. The dial has also been updated to be more legible. Last but not least, Audemars Piguet equips the watches with the 4401 manufacture movement and a quick-change system for the straps.
The new line consists of a total of five variants, each with a diameter of 43 mm. Two of them have a stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel. Then there are two variants with titanium cases. One of them is all-titanium while the other one has a black ceramic bezel. Finally, the Manufacture presents a Royal Oak Offshore with a case in 18-carat rose gold. It too has a bezel made of black ceramic. However, the water resistance of 10 bar or 100 metres is the same for all versions.
The case of the Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm has been revised to make it more ergonomic. The manufacture promises better wearing comfort thanks to wider bevels on the edges and a curved construction. In fact, even the anti-reflective sapphire crystal is curved from 6 to 12 o’clock and merges seamlessly with the bezel. What remains, however, are the hand-polished bevels and satin-finished surfaces and, of course, the screws on the bezel. On the back, the sapphire crystal back reveals the mechanics inside.
The dials of the Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm now feature stronger contrasts and a higher-quality finish. The “Méga Tapisserie” motif on the dial can be seen here in black, grey, light brown or blue. The individual pyramids that make up the “tapisserie” now stand out more clearly and give the front more depth. The counters have also been rearranged for better readability. At 9 o’clock is the minute counter, while opposite at 3 o’clock are the elapsed hours. There is also a small seconds at 6 o’clock and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Audermars Piguet equips the watch with its in-house calibre 4401. This is the manufacture’s latest integrated chronograph. The movement combines a column wheel with a vertical clutch and also offers a flyback function. Meanwhile, the movement is selfwinding with a blackened rotor made of 22-carat rose gold. The maximum power reserve is 70 hours. In addition, the Manufacture also decorates its movement with Côtes de Genève, traits tirés and circular graining.
The strap changing system from Audemars Piguet is also included. This allows the strap of a Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm to be swapped easily and without tools by snapping it in and out. To release the strap, two pushers on the case bridge must be pressed together, which ensures safety when wearing the watch. Each watch comes with a rubber strap in black, blue, grey or brown with a folding clasp. The manufacturer also includes an extra interchangeable strap.
The five new models from the Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm line are available now. The two with stainless steel cases cost 37,400 euros, while the titanium versions cost 36,400 euros. Lastly, the Offshore with a rose gold case. It costs 56,000 euros.
