1993 saw the Baselworld launch of the Royal Oak Offshore by Audemars Piguet. A step up from the 1972 Royal Oak, the Offshore was immense, rugged and functional in the extreme. The very first Royal Oak provided inspiration for the stunning new 1993 design of the Royal Oak Offshore by Emmanuel Gueit. Size was perhaps the most defining feature of the Royal Oak Offshore timepiece, and it was immediately nicknamed ‘the beast’ by the industry. While by today's standards the size of the watch may not be considered exceptional, back in 1993 it was certainly innovative.
The Latest Inspiration
Now, more than twenty years on, Audemars Piguet is launching the latest in the Royal Oak Offshore series — the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph, complete with self-winding movement.
New Highly Developed Calibre
Specially developed for this watch, the brand new in-house calibre 2897 is made up from some 335 individual parts. Not only is the movement incredibly advanced, but it is also a work of art, proudly displayed via the beautiful display back.
Revolutionary Design
Several elements of this exceptional timepiece are heralded by some as revolutionary, including the peripheral oscillating satin-brushed 950 platinum weight. This, alongside the calibre, can be viewed via an aperture at one o’clock which was designed exclusively for this purpose, as well as through the clear display back.
The case has been carefully thought out to provide the ultimate protection. Black materials have been used to give this newest version of the Royal Oak Offshore a modern feel. The middle is constructed from forged carbon, the bezel from ceramic and ceramic and titanium have been used for the push pieces. The rugged look is completed by the stylish rubber strap.
A combination of high-tech ideas and traditional watch-making has been used in the design of the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph, the results of which are breathtaking.
The calibre 2897 was created entirely in-house, from design to creation. As ever, the Audemars Piguet company has exceeded themselves using the classic skills gleaned from 140 years of watch-making and the latest horological technology. Watch enthusiasts will take the greatest pleasure in experiencing the exceptionally smooth and efficient action of the mechanisms, enhanced by the addition of a shock-resisting hook.
Mounted on ball bearings, the oscillating weight moves 360 degrees and is size-optimised to ensure this can happen within the recessed case. Despite this, the watch's profile is just 14 mm thick. The chronograph mechanism can be seen clearly via the case back, which is sapphire crystal.
Landing the watch firmly into the 21st century is its titanium bridged-tourbillon carriage. Created from 85 parts, the tourbillon takes three days to assemble and weighs just 0.45 grams.
September Launch
The Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph is due to be officially launched at the end of September 2014 at Hong Kong’s Watches and Wonders Fair. Production will be limited to 50 pieces with a sticker price of £173,270.