The Time-and-Date Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 43mm

While there have been time-and-date and triple calendar versions since the mid-1990s, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore or ROO, has always been primarily known as a chronograph watch. It was actually designed as such when it launched in 1993. In modern days, non-chronograph ROO watches were mostly known as the Diver version, which was recently revamped. Well, things have changed because now there’s a new time-and-date ROO, the sleekest to date, with the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 43mm.

What we’re looking at here is one of the rare Royal Oak Offshore models that does not feature a chronograph. In the current collection, most models are fitted with a chronograph complication (and other additional features), and only a handful of references have a simple time-only display. And it mostly has to do with the bold, sporty Royal Oak Offshore Diver, a 300m water-resistant watch with a 42mm case. It is now joined by another time-and-date model, this time even cleaner and not meant to host any additional function.

The new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding is a follow-up to the modernised ROO models presented in 2021, mostly notable thanks to their contemporary take on the Mega Tapisserie pattern. These 43mm versions were, as you’d expect, fitted with a chronograph movement, and to be precise, the in-house integrated flyback calibre 4400 was first unveiled in the Code 11.59 Chronograph. The new non-chronograph ROO takes the same path with a movement that was first seen in the time-and-date Code collection.

Measuring 43mm in diameter, we’re talking about a large watch here, specifically since there’s no additional function. This new ROO time-and-date comes in a stainless steel case with brushed surfaces and polished bevels. The sporty look continues on the bezel, with a contrasting light blue colour and, mostly, a blue rubber coating (durability issues?). Other than that, it’s all classic with hexagonal screws on the bezel, the signature oversized tonneau shape of the ROO collection and a large screwed crown protected by lateral guards. The thickness is 14.4mm and the water-resistance is 100m.

This inaugural version of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 43mm (there will surely be more in the future) is presented with a textured dial with a contemporary take on the Mega Tapisserie pattern. This new generation of texture is more detailed and more pronounced, bringing depth and playfulness. Here, it is presented in a smoked blue colour with rhodium-toned gold trapezoidal-shaped hour markers and Royal Oak hands. The AP-only logo at noon emphasises the already sleek look of this time-and-date version.

Inside the case is the automatic, in-house calibre 4302, which was first presented in the Code 11.59 Selfwinding models. This modern movement, visible under the sapphire back, beats at 4Hz and stores a comfortable power reserve of 70 hours. It is nicely finished with Côtes de Genève, vertical, circular and sunray brushing, circular graining and polished chamfers, as well as a blackened 22k gold rotor.

Like most modern versions of this watch, the new ROO Selfwinding 43mm is worn on an integrated rubber strap, colour-matched with the bezel and dial. Closed by a steel pin buckle, it is also equipped with a practical interchangeable strap system and an additional black rubber strap is also included.

A surprising version, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 43mm is both deliberately large and bold but also sleek compared to most members of the ROO family. Released as part of the permanent collection, its price will be EUR 27,300. For more details, please visit audemarspiguet.com.