One very peculiar thing prevails in the horological world. A brand often creates a spin-off of its popular model to cater to a new audience without alienating the fans of the original. Let’s give you an example. Think of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut for the Nautilus or the Rolex Deepsea for the Sea-Dweller, and in this case, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Audemars Piguet’s name is immediately associated with two words: Royal Oak. While too much has already been said about the Royal Oak, the younger sibling is somewhat understated.
The newer model retains the fundamental design elements of the first but is distinct enough to affirm their own name and collection. The Royal Oak Offshore has now joined its more established sibling in the AP collection and has garnered a dedicated following.
While the hype might revolve around the Royal Oak designed by Gerald Genta, the interesting journey of the AP Royal Oak Offshore from 1993 to today is worth sharing. We recommend taking a closer look at the Royal Oak Offshore, exploring its history, distinct qualities and trends that helped solidify its position.
But before that, let’s step back a little in case you need a quick refresher on the history of the Royal Oak.
Birth of the AP’ Royal Oak’
Audemars Piguet desperately needed a shakeup in the 1970s, and Gerald Genta came to the watchmaker’s rescue with a design idea that, unbeknownst to the designer and the brand at the time, would eventually lay the foundation of the entire luxury sports watch genre.
Gerald Genta turned the watch world on its head and presented a new meaning to the idea of luxury sports watch with the “Royal Oak” in 1972. Tagged as the first luxury sports watch, this icon with an integrated bracelet was an enormous boon to the watchmaker.
It was completely different from any other watch on the market at the time, featuring a large 39mm case, an octagonal bezel with exposed screws, a hobnail textured dial and an integrated bracelet. But sadly, the watch faced a lot of hindrances initially before finally becoming Audemars Piguet’s flagship timepiece.
Next came the ‘Royal Oak Offshore’
While the Royal Oak was having its moment, Audemars Piguet chairman Stephen Urquhart could see it was time for another revolution. By then, the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak was fast approaching, and Urquhart couldn’t think of any better time to release a special anniversary model and set a new trend in the industry.
Enter Emmanuel Gueit, a 22-year-old designer who noticed that women were beginning to wear men’s watches. He opposed this trend and concluded that men’s watches must embrace extra masculinity, refraining ladies from wearing them and also attracting a younger audience. In other words, what he wanted was a ‘true men’s watch’ (a concept that wouldn’t go down well in the 2020s, though).
In 1989, Gueit designed a bigger and bolder Royal Oak and presented the new design to Urquhart. He had heartily obeyed his boss’s brief to create a ‘man’s watch’. The latest iteration of the Royal Oak boasts a 42mm case, highlighted by Therban rubber chronograph pushers and a matching crown. It showcases a tachymeter scale on the dial flange, a triple-register chronograph configuration, and a blue Petite Tapisserie dial with a date window. The watch is finished with an octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal screws and a rubber gasket.
The management thought the watch was too hefty, bold, and brash. Not many know that the original designer of the Royal Oak, Gerald Genta, hated the new design and even expressed his opinion publicly! So, as it happened, the idea of launching the new design to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 1992 was postponed due to doubts and certain problems arising in manufacturing the unique design.
However, in 1993, the larger and new Royal Oak finally saw the dawn and made its way to the public.
Surprisingly, the first 100 examples didn’t mention ‘Offshore’ on the watch and only ‘Royal Oak’ on the case back. But beginning with the 101st model, “Royal Oak Offshore” was spelt out in full.
The ‘First’ Royal Oak Offshore Model
The Audemars Piguet Ref. 25721ST, nicknamed ‘The Beast,’ was the first Royal Oak Offshore watch released in April 1993. Its size and weight earned it its nickname.
The 25721ST reference model had a steel 42mm case with a thickness of 15mm and blue rubber chronograph pushers and crown. It featured an octagonal bezel lined with a rubber gasket and eight hexagonal screws, a blue Petite Tapisserie dial and an integrated bracelet. The dial had a tachymeter scale on the outer flange, sub-dials placed at 12/6/9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. It was equipped with the movement 2126/2840, based on a JLC Calibre 888.
Unsure of the name to be given, the first 100 trial models produced, including Ref. 25721ST, lacked the word “Offshore.” The watches were only signed ‘Royal Oak’ on the case back and numbered individually. Only after the 100th piece did the name ‘Offshore’ appear on the case back.
Like the Royal Oak twenty years ago, the Offshore Ref. 25721ST did not attain fame immediately, with skeptics rallying unflattering reviews. However, the Italians immediately accepted the offshore design, and soon, it became popular with the young and affluent crowd.
Rise To Fame: Royal Oak Offshore
The story actually started with famous Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger when he wore the limited-edition Offshore in his 1999 movie ‘End of Days’. This appearance put Audemars Piguet in the spotlight.
Before that, in 1996, AP released the Royal Oak Offshore in a wide variety of sizes and bold colours to add to its popularity. The Offshore reference 25721ST remained in production for nearly a decade, and in 1996, AP released six new designs, including the first Offshore with a leather strap. Additionally, three new references were released in a medium size of 38mm, further expanding the Offshore’s customer base.
Things further picked up for the Royal Oak Offshore in 1997 when iconic Italian alpine skier Alberto Tomba started wearing it as an ambassador. Well, nothing could stop the Offshore from conquering the world then!
The Royal Oak Offshore collection now features chronograph and calendar-equipped references. In 1997, coloured versions were released to coincide with Royal Oak’s 25th anniversary. Royal Oak Offshore’s annual sales increased to 1000 pieces that year for the first time.
In 2005, Jay-Z entered the scene with his own limited-edition Offshore, perhaps the most important Royal Oak Offshore ever created.
From then on, AP was one of the first luxury watchmakers to take celebrity associations seriously, which helped the Royal Oak Offshore reach its iconic status.
Key Characteristics of the Royal Oak Offshore
Released in 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore was a daring move by Audemars Piguet, which decided to revamp the already iconic Royal Oak, pushing boundaries in terms of mechanics and design. Today, the Royal Oak Offshore is a legendary timepiece, loved for its audacious design and innovative characteristics.
- Case: The Royal Oak Offshore models are 42mm or larger in size. Their case is thicker than the traditional Royal Oak and measures around 15m taller on the wrist. The Offshore is also more robust due to the rubber gasket between the case and bezel. It uses plenty of colours and modern materials like ceramic, carbon, and rubber.
- Bezel: The Royal Oak Offshore has an octagonal bezel with exposed screws and a visible gasket under it. The watches have a bolder design than the Royal Oak.
- Dial: The most striking part of the Royal Oak Offshore is the Tapisserie dial. The Offshore models have Mega Tapisserie dial featuring larger squares than the Grand Tapisserie used on Royal Oak. The dial has a tachymeter scale and sub-dials at 6/9/12 o’clock.
- Pushers: Depending on the case, it features a chronograph with rubber, silicon or gold pushers. It also features capped crown covers.
- Bracelet: The bracelet is integrated and tapered from the case to the buckle. The Royal Oak Offshore models feature a pin buckle. AP also produces the Offshore with leather straps in a variety of textures, patterns, and colours.
- Functions: The Offshore collection primarily consists of dive watches, chronographs, and tourbillions, reflecting AP’s technical prowess.
Why Royal Oak Offshore Is The Perfect Sports Watch?
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore commands respect worldwide as the perfect luxury sports watch for various reasons.
- Just as iconic as the original
Not all successors live up to the hype or curiosity, but definitely not the Royal Oak Offshore. The Royal Oak Offshore is part of the legendary Royal Oak collection and was designed as a sportier version of the watch. The Offshore stands out in all aspects, be it design aesthetics, high-grade materials, robustness, comfort, or usability. It is the watch that alone carries a great deal of respect.
- Ideal for active lifestyles
Beyond its striking appearance, the Royal Oak Offshore is also engineered to withstand intense physical activity, making it a popular choice amongst athletes like Serena Williams. Top Offshore models are available with perpetual calendars, chronographs, minute repeaters and even more complicated features, which are ideal for an active lifestyle. For instance, the Offshore Diver’s models present water resistance of up to 300 metres. The unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into making these timepieces allows the sportsperson to be certain that the watches will work exactly as needed.
- Plenty of choices
As said before, AP uses the Royal Oak Offshore as a ground to experiment freely, resulting in a wide range of impressive options to choose from. Whether size, design, colours or functions, you’ll find a diverse number of Offshore models. Audemars Piguet also creates limited-edition and special timepieces that are sophisticated examples of the brand’s expertise and attention to detail.
- The collection keeps evolving
Collectors and enthusiasts looking for the latest in watches will find that AP Offshore caters to their needs and preferences. The watchmaker prefers to update the Royal Oak Offshore catalogue every now and then, adding to its popularity. For instance, in 2021, a refined and updated version of the original Offshore was released, with the case reduced by 1mm, a new quick-change system, and a new in-house calibre.
- It’s a smart investment
Given AP’s incredible brand reputation, Royal Oak’s prestigious history, and Offshore’s remarkable qualities, the watches make excellent investment options. Any model in the collection is likely to hold its value for many years and even appreciate in value over time. Even the models at the lower end of the price spectrum, let alone the ones with complications, will be worth a lot due to Royal Oak Offshore’s demand.
Popular Royal Oak Offshore Models
2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore- the Royal Oak’s eccentric younger sibling. Throughout the years, AP has pushed the boundaries with the Offshore, conducting numerous experiments and trials with sizes, new materials and aesthetics.
Here’s a list of all the popular Royal Oak Offshore models you can buy:
1. Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph, Reference 26238TI.OO.2000TI.01
Returning to the original 1993 Royal Oak Offshore design cues, the new Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26238TI.OO.2000TI.01 has a 42mm titanium case with black rubber push pieces. The grey dial with ‘the Petite Tapisserie’ pattern has contrasting black counters at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, and all three registers are now equidistant from the dial centre, giving a more balanced appearance. True to form, the integrated titanium bracelet displays hand-finished satin-brushed surfaces and comes with an AP folding clasp.
2. Royal Oak Offshore Diver, Reference 15710ST.OO.A085CA.01
Look cool in beige with the Royal Oak Offshore Diver reference 15710ST.OO.A085CA.01. The watch is presented on a 42mm stainless steel case with beige rubber-clad screw-locked crowns and a beige dial with a Mega Tapisserie pattern. The beige inner bezel with a blue zone from 60 to 15 minutes adds a nice pop of colour to the otherwise minimalist look. Fixed on a beige rubber strap for ultimate comfort, this is the watch you need to dive in absolute style.
3. Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph, Reference 26421ST.OO.A002CA.01
If you wish to experience AP’s stance on haute horology, look no further than the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph’ Limited Edition’ Reference 26421ST.OO.A002CA.01. Released in just 50 pieces to celebrate the occasion of its 25th anniversary, this limited edition Tourbillon chronograph crafted in stainless steel perfectly highlights the brand’s design audaciousness. It is an impressive complex watch with a futuristic architecture. The mix of materials, the colour contrasts and the finishing, all work magnificently to make this Offshore even bolder than before.
4. Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication, Reference 26571TI.GG.A027CA.01
Another haute horology masterpiece, the limited edition Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication, Reference 26571TI.GG.A027CA.01, comprises 648 intricately finished components. Outrageous than most Offshore models, the watch has a 44mm sandblasted titanium case, crown, and push-piece, which offers a very tasteful look against the blue rubber strap. The skeletonised dial has a perpetual calendar, leap year indicator, moon phase, a minute repeater, and a split-second chronograph. The watch is definitely a Beast in all statures.
5. Royal Oak Offshore Survivor, Reference 26165IO.OO.A002CA.01
The 26165IO.OO.A002CA.01 is the latest limited-edition Self-winding chronograph, produced in only 1000 pieces. Its unique design includes a blackened titanium case, crown, push-pieces, articulated push guards, a black ceramic vertical-textured bezel, and a black Mega Tapisserie dial featuring a date display and a second sub-dial at 12 o’clock. This Royal Oak Offshore Survivor sports a design not typically seen in AP watches, making it even more intriguing to collectors.
6. Royal Oak Offshore Perpetual, Reference 25854TI
Audemars Piguet never shies away from trying new things with the Offshore collection, and the Royal Oak Offshore Perpetual, Reference 25854TI, is yet another example of its brilliance. When looking from a distance, it appears like a regular Royal Oak Offshore, but as you look closer at the Clous de Paris Petite Tapisserie dial, you can see a Perpetual Calendar, a 12-hour chronograph and a balancing moon phase indicator, all combined in one robust ‘Beast’ that is surprisingly light due to its titanium composition and is extremely comfortable.
Conclusion: The Risk Paid Off!
After all this time, it’s clear that Audemars Piguet’s daring move with the Royal Oak Offshore has proven to be a winning one. This is no overstatement; it’s what’s actually happening. Interestingly, the impact is felt even stronger today than it was ever before. Whether due to the investment-making mindset or increasing demand amongst the collector community, the AP Royal Oak Offshore watches dominate the market.
If you have a preference for oversized watches with bold designs or are in search of a stylish diving timepiece, the Royal Oak Offshore collection is likely to be your perfect match. Rest assured, it’s not just a watch but a reminder to be bold, daring and unconventional.
