Launched in 1993 in the wake of the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the Offshore model created an even bigger shockwave than the Royal Oak, which had already caused quite a storm in 1972. The Royal Oak Offshore’s oversized proportions, large rubber gasket and virile aesthetic, earned it the nickname “The Beast” at the time of its launch.
Created by the designer Emmanuel Gueit, the Royal Oak Offshore drew its inspiration from the creative explosion of the 1980s and the ultra-powerful yacht races that inspired its name. Derided by many, but embraced by the younger generation in search of adventure and extreme sports enthusiasts, the model became a collection in its own right, imposing its bold aesthetic codes.
At the end of the millennium, it became a canvas for the Manufacture’s forward-thinking design and technical innovations as well as a prime platform for different collaborations with numerous celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, sport and music, which anchored it in global culture.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the collection, the Manufacture is launching amongst variety of new references featuring ceramic, a new black ceramic chronograph inspired by the Limited Edition “End of Days” (ref. 25770SN) released in 1999 in collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger with the actor donning the piece in the movie.
In 1999, the collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Royal Oak Offshore End of Days started putting the collection on the map of a wider public for the first time. For the 30th anniversary of the Offshore, paying tribute to this specific timepiece is an obvious choice."
François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet
This new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph model is presented in a 43 mm case, which is in line with the models introduced in 2020. This edition is made entirely of black ceramic with the addition of titanium details, such as the studs, push-pieces and case back. There are also eight steel screws that attach the octagonal bezel to the case.
The choice of these materials gives the watch a light and ergonomic feel despite its generous proportions - the total weight is only 103 grams.
The ceramic – an extremely hard but not very malleable material – used by Audemars Piguet has been meticulously finished to reveal its many nuances and to match the complex lines of the Royal Oak Offshore case, while meeting the Manufacture’s high-quality standards. Ceramic is partly made of zirconium oxide powder combined with a specific binder and its homogeneous colour only appears once the material is fired at a temperature exceeding 1000 degrees celsius.
Each component is then pre-polished and pre-satin-finished. Lines, angles and bevels are painstakingly hand-finished to achieve the Manufacture’s signature alternating polished and satin surfaces.
As a nod to the black and yellow aesthetic of the original 1999 model, the new Offshore features a black dial decorated with the new-generation Mega Tapisserie pattern and is illuminated with touches of yellow on the tachymeter scale, as well as on the hour markers and the blackened white gold hands enhanced with yellow luminescent coating.
The applied gold AP logo stands out at 12 o’clock, while black counters grace the dial at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
This new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph model comes with a black calfskin strap featuring a textile effect and yellow stitching. The watch also features an integrated interchangeable system so that the owner can easily change his or her strap for a yellow calfskin version with black stitching.
Limited to 500 pieces, this timepiece pays tribute to the collection that has been pushing the limits for 30 years.
