SOLD – Audemars Piguet Offshore “Ghost” 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01. Titanium case, diameter 42mm x 14.5mm which is water resistant to 100 meters. Automatic AP caliber movement, backed by a 50-hour power reserve. date display at the 3 o’clock position. Slate grey dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, silver-toned counters, Arabic numerals with luminescent coating, white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, silver-toned inner bezel, Silver sub-dials. Grey rubber strap with Titanium buckle. Box and Papers 2021.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is a collection of luxury sports watches that was introduced in 1993 as a more robust and contemporary version of the iconic Royal Oak model. Here’s a brief history of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore:

The concept for the Royal Oak Offshore was born out of a collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Emmanuel Gueit, a young designer at the time. Gueit was tasked with creating a larger and more daring version of the Royal Oak to cater to a new generation of watch enthusiasts.

The Royal Oak Offshore made its debut at the Baselworld watch fair in 1993. The initial model, known as the “Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph,” featured a 42mm case, bold design elements, and increased water resistance compared to the original Royal Oak.

The launch of the Royal Oak Offshore was met with mixed reactions initially due to its bold and unconventional design. Its larger size, thick profile, and distinctive aesthetic, including exposed screws on the bezel and a robust rubber strap, challenged traditional watchmaking norms.

Over the years, Audemars Piguet has released numerous variations and limited editions within the Royal Oak Offshore collection. These models feature various dial colors, materials like stainless steel, gold, ceramic, or forged carbon, and complications such as chronographs, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars.

Despite the initial controversy, the Royal Oak Offshore gained popularity and achieved an iconic status within the world of luxury watches. Its bold design, high-quality craftsmanship, and association with celebrities and athletes contributed to its appeal and desirability.

Audemars Piguet has collaborated with various personalities and brands to create special editions of the Royal Oak Offshore. Notable collaborations include limited editions with Arnold Schwarzenegger, LeBron James, and Jay-Z, among others.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore continues to be a sought-after collection, representing a fusion of avant-garde design, technical expertise, and horological excellence within the luxury watch industry.