There are times when a nickname is given, intended to be derogatory, but is then fully embraced by the bearer of that nickname. Such is the case with the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993, whose first iteration was given the moniker “The Beast”. Research shows that as usual, the Italians, stylistic pioneers, were the first to really embrace the masculine proportions of The Beast, which in the course of a few short years, became a huge seller for the brand.

In November 2018, Phillips Geneva had the privilege of offering one of the earliest Royal Oak Offshores to appear in public, bearing the number 39, and with the additional distinction of being owned by the designer of the Offshore itself, Emmanuel Gueit. He began development of the Offshore in 1989 and after overcoming many hurdles, it was finally released at Basel in 1993. At first derided because of its size and stature, it has since come to be widely acknowledged as revolutionary, establishing the trend for larger sports watches that has become the status quo today.

The Beast at hand, bearing number 156 on the caseback, belongs to the second batch of Royal Oak Offshores to be produced and notably bears the Offshore designation on the caseback. With the original and extremely rare folding blade deployant clasp, which was almost always replaced during service, the present lot is a rare opportunity to find a pristine and original example of this elusive and subversive reference.