Photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore collection, with a new black ceramic chronograph inspired by the limited edition End of Days timepiece released in 1999 in collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
With the ancestral savoir-faire and fine craftsmanship of Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak Offshore is a collection that was able to transcend the boundaries of haute horology and permeate a number of different worlds such as sport, music, and entertainment. A prominent aspect of this success was the first special edition of the collection, the End of Days timepiece. Not only did it project the offshore collection into the limelight, but it also pioneered a tradition for special editions and celebrity partnerships.
As François-Henry Bennahmias, chief executive pfficer of Audemars Piguet states, “For the 30th anniversary of the Offshore, paying tribute to this specific timepiece is an obvious choice.”
Photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
The new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph is a contemporary iteration of the classic End of Days, and features a black aesthetic punctuated by yellow details – a color scheme shared by the original model. A black dial is adorned with the new-generation Mega Tapisserie pattern while hints of yellow become apparent on the tachymeter scale, the hour markers, and the hands. The applied gold AP logo is noticeable at once much like the black counters gracing the dial.
Presented in a 43mm case, the new Offshore is in line with recently introduced models and is made entirely of black ceramic with the exception of titanium features such as the studs, push-pieces, and case back. There are also eight steel screws that attach the octagonal bezel to the case. While the use of these materials and the resultant light and ergonomic feel of the watch is certainly a testimony to the watchmaker’s expertise, it is the signature finishing of the ceramic that really stands out.
Photo: Courtesy of Audemars Piguet
Much like its predecessor, this timepiece will be limited to only 500 pieces, a fact that is engraved upon its titanium case back. The sapphire crystal case back also reveals the movement’s refined decorations, including Côtes de Genève, circular graining, sunray finishing, circular satin finishing, and polished bevels along with the oscillating weight. This new reference is powered by the manufacturer’s latest self-winding chronograph movement, Calibre 4401, which is fully integrated with a column wheel and flyback function. This allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single press of the push-piece.
The yellow-and-black aesthetic extends over the calfskin strap of the timepiece which is black in color and features a textile effect along with yellow stitching. Thanks to the watch’s integrated interchangeable system, the owner can easily change his or her strap for a yellow calfskin version with black stitching.
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