The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Beast” is probably the second most iconic timepiece from the brand. Despite being controversial, bold and oversized when it first debuted 30 years ago, it redefined the luxury sports watch category by being extremely robust.The original Royal Oak Offshore, also known as “The Beast,” got this name for its size and weight. To mark the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore, Audemars Piguet has introduced a new model made entirely of black ceramic, which is a first for the collection. Meet the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm Black Ceramic 26238CE. I had the opportunity to personally see this watch, and you can find details and live photos of it here.
Since its creation, the Royal Oak Offshore collection has been dressed in a wide range of materials, such as titanium and forged carbon. But the ROO collection never had a watch that was entirely made of ceramic, including its bracelet.
The full ceramic Royal Oak models are undeniably special, and one of the key factors that sets them apart is their unique finishing. The full ceramic models are finished exactly like a stainless steel models, which is a testament to the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into the production of these watches.
While other brands offer ceramic models, none can match the level of finishing that Audemars Piguet has achieved with the full ceramic Royal Oaks. The ceramic material used in these watches is notoriously difficult to work with, and achieving a finish that matches that of stainless steel requires a level of precision and skill that is truly exceptional. This material is also very durable and resistant to scratches and wear. The full ceramic Royal Oaks are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts for its rarity. Only a limited number of these models are produced each year, making them a true collector’s item.
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in black ceramic has the classic proportions of a ROO Beast, with a 42mm case, a solid height of 15.3mm and an identical construction.
The dial is dressed in the same matte black colour as the case. It is decorated with the Petite Tapisserie pattern, a signature motif previously reserved for the 26238 references in gold or titanium. While past references had variations in tone, this new reference is the first to be totally monochrome in pitch black, which is particularly difficult to achieve due to the different materials and textures used.
This new black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is equipped with the latest integrated automatic chronograph, Calibre 4404, featuring a column wheel and flyback function that, unlike a traditional chronograph, allows it to be restarted without having to first stop and reset it. The column wheel has a vertical clutch designed to allow smooth pressure on each push-piece. When the chronograph is started or stopped, the hands immediately start moving, without any delay or unexpected jumps. A patented reset mechanism also ensures that each chronograph hand instantly returns to its vertical starting position. The movement also features refined finishes such as Côtes de Genève, circular graining, circular satin finishing and polished bevels.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in black ceramic is a remarkable addition to the ceramic watch family. With its bold design, modern material and impeccable craftsmanship, it is the perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Though it comes with a steep price tag of €82,600. But even then it will be not easy to get this piece. More details about Audemars Piguet at www.audemarspiguet.com
