Audemars Piguet is often regarded as a brand with little to offer beyond the Royal Oak lineup. Among these, There is the Royal Oak Offshore, Which closely resembles the Royal Oak but pursues a different strategy. If the Royal Oak is the canvas of Audemars Piguet, The Offshore is akin to its laboratory. Let us take a closer look at the Offshore, Which demonstrates an unrestrained spirit of experimentation starting from the case itself.

The Birth of the Royal Oak Offshore

Offshore designer Emmanuel Gueit and early sketches /
ⓒ Audemars Piguet

The Royal Oak, First released in 1972, Was a timepiece that redefined the concept of 'luxury' when the mechanical watch market was severely impacted by the quartz crisis. In contrast, The Offshore symbolized the spirit of the confident 1980s, Marked by economic growth and globalization. With a different approach to innovation, The Offshore evolved into a collection with a distinct character from the original Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak Offshore, First launched in 1993, Did not receive much enthusiasm initially. Although it was a sports watch, The Royal Oak had always emphasized elegance, So when it appeared with a robust 42mm case, Critics recoiled at its imposing size. (At that time, The main Royal Oak models were only 36mm.)
Gerald Genta, The father of the Royal Oak, Is said to have stormed into the Offshore launch event and harshly criticized it for damaging the history and honor of the Royal Oak. However, Young wealthy Europeans found a unique charm in the boldness of a luxury sports watch that emphasized casualness, And the popularity of the Offshore began to rise.

Offshore ‘Beast’
Setting the Standard for Large Watches

The first Offshore Ref. 25721ST featured a large case and an impressive thickness of 16mm. It earned the nickname 'Beast' to match its grand size, And the Offshore collection began to attract a dedicated following.

Audemars Piguet Offshore Ref. 25721ST ‘Beast' /
ⓒ Audemars Piguet

With its clear character among consumers, The Offshore's 'oversize' feature became its greatest weapon, And Audemars Piguet began producing the 25721 reference in various metal materials. By the late 1990s, Yellow gold, White gold, And even platinum models were released in succession, Weighing over 400g. For reference, Rolex's heaviest watch (Daytona Ref. 116506) is a mere 282g, Much lighter than the Offshore.

Over 30 years of evolution, The Royal Oak Offshore collection has developed into four distinct lines: a futuristic ergonomic line, A diver line, A reissue of the Beast, And an experimental line. Unlike the consistent design of the standard Royal Oak collection, Each line boasts its own unique characteristics, Enriching the Offshore collection.

The Offshore collection features a variety of models

Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26480TI.OO.A027CA.01

42mm, Blue

Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26238TI.OO.2000TI.01

42mm, Dark

Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15720ST.OO.A027CA.01

42mm, Blue

What are the Differences Between Offshore and Royal Oak?

It is difficult to define the Offshore in a single sentence, As there are four distinct lines within the collection. Therefore, Rather than comparing the differences between the four lines, It is easier to understand the Offshore collection by summarizing the features that are not found in the standard Royal Oak.

Royal Oak Offshore’s Mega Tapisserie dial,
Royal Oak’s Grande Tapisserie dial / © Audemars Piguet

Mega Tapisserie Dial

The iconic octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak is further enhanced by its Tapisserie dial, Which comes in various types. The Offshore collection generally adopts the largest 'Mega Tapisserie' pattern.

This square pattern emphasizes a casual and sporty look, Perfectly harmonizing with the Offshore's bold case size. The original Royal Oak's 'Petite Tapisserie' dial can be found in the reissue models of the Beast, Which are continuously updated.

Offshore Diver Ref. 15720 / © Hodinkee

Rubber Strap and Gasket

Many Offshore models are equipped with rubber straps for practicality, Which is the essence of a sports watch. The bracelet is now only applied to the reissue line of the Beast. Rubber material is also used for the gasket. Unlike the standard Royal Oak, Which is water resistant to 50m, The Offshore is equipped with a gasket between the bezel and the case body to block external ingress, Achieving 100m water resistance. The Offshore case is on average about 4mm thicker than the standard Royal Oak, And this gasket also contributes to the difference in thickness.

Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph / © Audemars Piguet

Large Watches, Delicate Details

Although the Offshore collection emphasizes grandeur, It also features many delicate details not found in the standard Royal Oak. Certain models follow the design philosophy of aerodynamic sports cars, With chronograph pushers aligned parallel to the case body and the sapphire crystal subtly curving from the 6 o’clock to the 12 o’clock position. In addition, The chronograph’s tachymeter scale is unique to the Offshore, Adding a practical element.

A Watch Born for Change

Over the past 30 years, More than 250 references of the Royal Oak Offshore have been produced. Several new models are unveiled each year, Often leaving critics and consumers puzzled or surprised. It is rare for the public to respond favorably to experimental pieces. Enthusiasts will be familiar with the pattern of sharply divided opinions when both reissue and experimental models are released.

Offshore 26238CE, Offshore 15600CE /
© Monochrome Watches, European Watch Company

Nevertheless, Audemars Piguet continues to use the Offshore as a laboratory, Consistently releasing bold designs. Recently, A limited edition called the 'Music Edition', Which incorporates a music theme into the watch itself, Was released. This spirit of challenge is the essential ethos of the Offshore, Allowing it to explore new realms of luxury sports watches without being deterred by constant criticism. The influence is undeniable, As many new-generation luxury watchmakers such as Hublot and Richard Mille have benchmarked the Offshore. The Royal Oak Offshore, Which continues to pursue new challenges, Seems to be forming a new group of enthusiasts.