The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore chronograph is one of the watch industry's most recognizable and coveted watches. Initially introduced in 1993, the Offshore collection was a bold and unconventional take on the classic Gerald Genta Royal Oak. Fast-forward to today, and the model still holds its ground as one of the most desirable luxury sports watches.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01 and break down its key design elements, movement and wearability.
Case & Build Quality
The Audemars Piguet 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01 comes in a robust 42mm stainless steel case with the signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. The brushed finishing across the case is meticulously done, with polished chamfers adding a level of refinement. As expected from an Offshore model, the watch has a strong wrist presence and maintains a sporty yet luxurious feel. The thickness of 15.3mm gives it a slightly chunky profile, but that's in line with the Offshore style and to be expected.
Water-resistant to 100 meters, this timepiece is built for durability while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The screw-down crown and chronograph pushers feature rubber-coated accents, which offer a practical and modern update to the classic Offshore design.
Dial & Aesthetics
Audemars Piguet is known for its impeccable dial craftsmanship and attention to detail, and this Royal Oak Offshore is no exception. The baby blue "Méga Tapisserie" dial features oversized textured squares, which provide a sense of depth and a fantastic foundation for the contrasting hour markers, hands, and sub-dials.
The three sub-dials at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock offer balanced symmetry across the dial and is paired with a date window subtly placed at 3 o'clock. The tachymeter scale along the outer edge enhances the watch's sporty feel, and the vibrant blue rubber strap perfectly complements the colour scheme.
Both the hands and hour markers are bold and filled with a luminescent coating to ensure legibility in both night and day.
Movement & Functionality
Powering this Offshore Chronograph is the Calibre 4404, an in-house integrated chronograph movement with a flyback function, which allows the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph with a single push, a feature highly valued by watch enthusiasts due to its advancement on a regular chronograph.
The automatic movement provides a 70-hour power reserve, which is the top end of the industry standard and perfect for wearers who enjoy rotating their collections.
The sapphire caseback reveals the beautifully decorated movement, showcasing Audemars Piguet's attention to detail with Geneva stripes, perlage, and a 22k gold oscillating weight.
Strap & Comfort
The Audemars Piguet 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01 is fitted with a textile-decorated blue rubber strap, perfectly complementing the dial and enhancing the bright and bold sporty appeal.
The watch's straps are interchangeable, which provides versatility for different occasions and allows you to completely alter the vibe and style of the watch. Audemars Piguet offers an assortment of straps to choose from; the straps can be changed without the need for a watchmaker or any tools at all, allowing for quick and effortless swaps to suit the occasion.
Despite the Royal Oak Offshore's reputation for being a relatively large and bulky watch, the 26238ST case is surprisingly comfortable on the wrist. The watch's weight is well-distributed, and the curved lugs ensure a snug fit.
Final Thoughts
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26238ST.OO.A340CA.01 is a testament to AP's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. It is a bold piece with the ability to make a multitude of statements through the use of interchangeable straps. The watch delivers both style and function, not to mention comfortability. For those seeking a bold yet refined luxury sports watch, this Offshore model is a standout choice. Viewing is strongly recommended.
Are you looking to buy or sell an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore? At LBJ Watches London, we always stock a range of Audemars Piguet watches that are available for immediate viewing and purchase. If you would like to sell your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, please contact us; we can provide you with a same-day quote and purchase your watch immediately from our Hatton Garden showroom in London.
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