Product Description
Looking at today's market it's almost impossible to remember a time when chronographs weren't some of the hottest things running in the watch world, and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph has played an undeniable role in that. Along with the Rolex Daytona it's peerless in the luxury sport chrono category, and for a very specific reason: both of these watches have been continuously updated and adapted and refreshed with endless colorways, dial combinations, case metals and gem sets to amazing appeal among enthusiasts and collectors. Manufacturers like Lange & Sohne, F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and a handful of independents produce gorgeous, haute horology chronographs but none of them can touch the Offshore - or Daytona - for sheer design audacity and wrist presence. What's marvelous is that the Offshore didn't evolve into the big, bold watch that is a piece like this ref. 26470ST.OO.A028CR.01 - from its debut in 1993 the Offshore has always been an aggressive, whale of a three-register chronograph that telegraphed huge personality. This particular ROO - collector parlance for Royal Oak Offshore - was one of two new 42mm steel pieces - along with a yellow gold piece and a limited edition platinum number - unveiled at the 2017 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), and it's outta sight. The conspicuous case, octagonal bezel and Mega Tapisserie dial are signatures of the Offshore so what really gets collectors going is the colorway, and this one doesn't disappoint. Rendered in "midnight blue" and black with white accents it's a "panda" dial if the panda was in fact an Indian Peafowl (Peacock) - put the face of each side by side and try to deny the resemblance. While this isn't a completely new combination, in modern watchmaking it's rarity. Black dials? Yes. Blue dials? Yes. Blue and black offsetting? A scant few. Colors aside, as with all modern ROOs since 2014 this watch also has the now standard ceramic pushers and crown, and a sapphire case back through which to view the AP in-house automatic caliber 3126. By their very nature all ROOs are commanding but this one in particular is unique - the livery is subtle but contemporary and in the sunlight it's gorgeous. This is a standout piece, much like the 2014 grey and black ROO "Elephant" - the Offshore menagerie.
