The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 43mm Black Ceramic And Yellow Gold

It’s hard to believe, but the Royal Oak Offshore is coming up for its 30th birthday this year. Presented by Audemars Piguet in 1993 to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the Royal Oak in a bolder, more virile format, the Royal Oak Offshore, aka The Beast, made an indelible impression on the crowds at Baselworld. Its muscular 42mm case bristling with textures and bold combinations of materials included an exposed black rubber gasket between the case and the bezel. The latest facelift took place in 2021, resulting in a more ergonomic 43mm case, interchangeable straps and the incorporation of the brand’s latest integrated flyback chronograph movement, calibre 4401. Dressed in a handsome John Player Special livery, this 43mm Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26420CE comes in a black ceramic case with striking 18k yellow gold accents.

Two-Tone Case

Complying with the design upgrades of 2021, the 43mm black ceramic case features the redesigned pushers nestled inside matte yellow gold structures that double up as crown guards to ensure the 100m water-resistance of the case. As AP points out, each component of the black ceramic case needed a complex manufacturing process followed by refined hand-finishing techniques resulting in polished chamfers and satin-brushed surfaces. Like the 2021 editions, the bezel, the screw-lock crown, and the push-pieces are slightly curved and the bezel, with its hallmark white gold screws, gently arcs from 6 to 12 o’clock to match the profile of the sapphire crystal.

Black & Gold

The black Mega Tapisserie pattern on the dial also conforms to the facelift of 2021, as do the relocated chronograph sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock, the small seconds at 6 o’clock, the date window pushed closer to the edge of the dial and applied AP monogram at noon. Contrasting yellow gold hour markers with black lacquer and the yellow gold hands – which alight on the yellow gold minutes track – add a luxurious burst of colour. With no Super-LumiNova to highlight the functions, the inscriptions on the tachymeter scale, inside the sub-dials and the date are white.

Integrated chronograph

Fitted with Audemars Piguet’s latest automatic chronograph calibre 4404, which base was first introduced in Code 11.59 watches but adopted by the Royal Oak and Offshore lines, the construction is integrated. It features a column wheel and flyback functionality. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement is decorated with elegant finishings.

Interchangeable Strap

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43mm 26420CE comes on a black alligator strap with golden stitching and an 18k yellow gold pin buckle. The studs, uniting the case with the strap, are also yellow gold for another shot of luxury. The strap has an interchangeable system, meaning it can be easily switched, and the watch comes with an additional black rubber strap.

Availability & Price

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 43mm Black Ceramic and Yellow Gold model (reference 26420CE.OO.A127CR.01) will be priced at EUR 60,000 and is part of the permanent collection. For more information, please visit audemarspiguet.com.