Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Royal Oak Offshore collection welcomes two new 43 mm timepieces featuring an alchemy of ceramic, titanium, and gold. Share
A revisitation of the 44 mm 26405CE model from 2020, these 43 mm newcomers champion ergonomics and material diversity. The generous use of ceramic, titanium, and pink gold illustrates the brand’s expertise in materials science. Striking polished chamfers contour the watches’ edges, giving way to a bezel and a screw-locked crown that display a gentle curvature, melding seamlessly with the glareproofed sapphire crystal.
Ceramic, a material known for its hardness and scratch resistance, is a standout feature. Crafted from Zirconium Oxide powder combined with a binder, the ceramic parts undergo sintering at temperatures around 1,000°C to achieve a consistent colour. Each component is then meticulously finished by hand, featuring polished chamfers that intersect satin-brushed surfaces—showcasing the manufacture’s hallmark touch.
The first model is a symphony in deep blue and black. A black ceramic case is accentuated with a blue ceramic bezel, crown, and push-pieces. Titanium push-piece guards and studs augment the watch, and a smoked blue Méga Tapisserie dial provides a stunning backdrop to three black counters and white gold baton hour-markers and hands, all treated with luminescent coating for maximum readability.
The second model exudes a softer allure. It features an 18-carat pink gold case juxtaposed against a titanium bezel, bracelet studs, and push-piece guards. Black ceramic accents in the crown and push-pieces provide a stark contrast to the grey Méga Tapisserie dial, which is lit up by pink gold markers and hands, all treated with luminescent coating for a glowing effect.
Both timepieces come with a contemporary calfskin leather strap adorned with a textile effect—a first for the Royal Oak Offshore collection— and are complemented by black stitching. The straps, equipped with an interchangeable system introduced in 2021, offer a touch of elegance that pairs perfectly with the dials. A secondary black rubber strap offers a sportier alternative, providing wearers with versatile styling options.
The watches are powered by Audemars Piguet’s latest selfwinding integrated chronograph movement, Calibre 4401. This sophisticated movement is equipped with a column wheel and a flyback function, allowing for the instant resetting and restarting of the chronograph.
The seconds hand responds immediately when the chronograph is activated or halted, thanks to the harmonious interplay of the column wheel and the vertical clutch. A patented reset mechanism ensures that the counter hands revert to a vertical position instantly. The mechanical complexity is accentuated by elegant finishing touches, such as Côtes de Genève and circular graining, all visible through the sapphire caseback.
