Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet presents two new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph models in 42 mm equipped with the latest integrated flyback chronograph movement, Calibre 4404.
The model’s ultra-resistant titanium or stainless steel case is complemented with a “Méga Tapisserie” dial in light blue or khaki hue and a matching interchangeable textured rubber strap. The watch also presents subtle changes in dial design for augmented legibility. The two references, geared for adventures, will be exclusively available in Audemars Piguet boutiques around the world.
LATEST FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
The two new Royal Oak Offshore models are powered by a new selfwinding integrated chronograph, Calibre 4404, equipped with column wheel and flyback function. Unlike a regular chronograph, the flyback function allows the wearer to stop, reset and start the chronograph in one simple action. The column wheel works in collaboration with a vertical clutch system. When the chronograph is started or stopped, the hands respond accordingly without any hint of jumping. Furthermore, the push-pieces feel smooth when pressed. A patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that each one of the counter hands instantaneously resets to zero.
The watch’s sapphire caseback reveals the movement’s column wheel and the so-called “dance” of the chronograph hammers* when the chronograph is activated. The movement also boasts a dedicated 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight featuring the embossed AP initials, as well as refined hand-finishing, including “Côtes de Genève,” satin-brushing and polished chamfers.
SECURE AND EFFICIENT INTERCHANGEABLE STRAP SYSTEM
The two new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs are complemented with the Manufacture’s new interchangeable strap system. The interchangeability has been directly integrated into the buckle and case’s studs, in perfect harmony with the case’s aesthetic codes.
The ease and efficiency will allow clients to change the straps and buckles of their new timepiece themselves with a quick click and release. The double-push system grants optimum security when the watch is worn on the wrist.
The two models are fitted on an interchangeable textured rubber strap in light blue or khaki shade echoing the respective dial colour. Both come with a second black interchangeable calfskin leather strap. The 2021 interchangeable strap assortment for the 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection also includes a dark blue and a black rubber strap.
AN UNCOMPROMISINGLY MUSCULAR AND REFINED AESTHETICS
The new Royal Oak Offshore comes in two case options: one in stainless steel and one in titanium, both sporting a black rubber crown and push-pieces. The two versions have been meticulously hand-finished with the Manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers.
The stainless steel model sports a light blue dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern – first introduced in the Royal Oak Offshore collection in 2001 – enhanced with black counters and a black inner bezel. The orange used for the counters’ Arabic numerals and the chronograph’s central seconds hand adds a vivid touch of colour. In contrast, the titanium model combines a khaki “Méga Tapisserie” dial and a matching inner bezel, enriched with silver-toned counters with printed black hour-markers, Arabic numerals and chronograph hands.
In addition to the new colours, there is novelty in terms of the logo. The AP initials now appear at 3 o’clock without the long-form signature for a more sportive look.
Although the two timepieces have kept the original Royal Oak Offshore’s vertical counter display, the hour and small seconds counters have been inverted to augment legibility: the hour counter is now positioned at 12 o’clock, while the small seconds counter appears at 6 o’clock. In contrast, the minute counter has remained at 9 o’clock. Moreover, all the counters are now equidistant from the centre of the dial for more visual appeal, while the date window has been topped off with a loupe glass directly integrated into the dial.
White gold hour-markers, Arabic numerals and Royal Oak hands, all endowed with luminescent coating, complete the design of the two timepieces in an echo to the case colour.