Audemars Piguet presents two new 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs. Ref. 26420CE and ref. 26420OI. Prices from €60,400
Ceramic, Pink Gold, and Titanium combinations for a contemporary touch
Audemars Piguet recently introduced two new 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs. These new references join other Royal Oak Offshore models released in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this model, designed as a sportier version of the Royal Oak (read the full story here).
Playing with materials including ceramic, pink gold, and titanium, the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs reinterpret the 44 mm 26405CE reference launched in 2020.
Their design includes large polished chamfers on the edges, while the bezel as well as the screw-locked crown and chronograph push-pieces follow a slight curvature. The glareproofed sapphire crystal is slightly curved from 6 to 12 o’clock to fit the curved profile of the bezel.
Their 43 mm x 14.4 mm cases are water resistant up to 100 metres / 330 feet and are equipped with interchangeable calfskin leather straps with a textile effect matched to the colour of the dials. Each model comes with a second black rubber strap that offers a sportive alternative.
Both timepieces showcase ceramic components crafted through a complex manufacturing process. Ceramic, a blend of Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder and a unique binder, attains its final colour after sintering at around 1,000°C. Ensuring a perfectly uniform hue is the primary challenge at this stage. Subsequent steps involve pre-polishing, pre-satin brushing, and meticulous manual finishing, resulting in polished chamfers alongside satin-brushed surfaces.
The first model, reference 26420CE.OO.A043VE.01, combines a black ceramic case with a bezel, push-pieces and crown in blue ceramic. The ceramic components are enriched with titanium push-piece guards and studs.
The timepiece is adorned with a smoked blue Méga Tapisserie dial. The deep blue colour gradually transitions to black towards the periphery.
The three counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock stand out in black. The white gold baton hour-markers and hands are filled with luminescent coating for improved legibility in darker environments.
The second chronograph, reference 26420OI.OO.A015VE.01, is made even more precious by an 18-carat pink gold case enriched by bezel, bracelet studs and push-piece in titanium.
Crafted from black ceramic, the crown and push-pieces harmonise with the black chronograph counters that contrast with the uniform grey Méga Tapisserie dial.
Filled with luminescent material, the baton hour-markers and hands are crafted from pink gold.
The new 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs are powered by the self-winding Calibre 4401. Featuring a column wheel and a vertical clutch system, this integrated chronograph movement is endowed with flyback function as well as an instantaneous date-change mechanism. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers 70 hours of power reserve.
The sapphire crystal caseback makes it possible to appreciate its finishes, including Côtes de Genève, satin brushing, circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers.
Prices starting at Euro 60,400 (incl. VAT) / US$ 57,900 (excl. sales taxes) for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph ref. 26420CE.OO.A043VE.01 in ceramic and titanium. audemarspiguet.com
Probably 2 of their worst offerings.
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