Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2012 Reference No: 26400AU.OO.A002CA.01 Movement No: 846’735 Case No: H66'467, No. 1605 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Material: Forged Carbon and Ceramic Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3126/3840, 59 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Rubber Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 44mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet guarantee stamped Halewinner Ltd Hong Kong dated 22nd October 2012, instruction manual, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
A visual dynamite packed with technological innovation and performance, the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph ref. 26400AU.OO.A002CA.01 strikes the market in 2012. Proprietary to be the first Swiss manufacture to innovate a carbon fiber material in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet with the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team ref. 26062F released in 2007. Suited up in a 44mm all black appearance, the timepiece is fitted with a ceramic bezel and cased in forged carbon fiber known to be used in F1 racecars for the ability to absorb shock, lightness and strength.
Complimenting the case, the dial features the firm’s signature mega tappiserie dial in black matching harmoniously with the ceramic bezel and red chronograph hands to elevate the legibility of the timing instrument. Powered by the firm’s new cal. 3126/3840, this Offshore is ready for 50 hours of action. Paired with a rubber strap, this timepiece is perfect companion for any weather.
The present example is in an attractive overall condition with its full accessories. A great celebration for the model’s 30th anniversary this year, the present Offshore Chronograph with a perfect balance of strength and weight is without a doubt a stunning statement timepiece.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.