Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2014 Reference No: 26402CB.OO.A010CA.01 Movement No: 906’301 Case No: I43604-0192 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Material: White ceramic Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3126/3840, 59 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Rubber Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 44mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by blank Audemars Piguet warranty, instruction manual, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Since its initial release in 1993, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection offered collectors and lovers of the esteemed Royal Oak a larger and sportier variant to cater towards the contemporary demand for larger timepieces. An instant success, the Offshore has witnessed a diverse range of timepieces developed over the years featuring various case materials, complications and sizes. In 2011, the firm launched the Offshore Chronograph with an enhanced 44mm diameter case featuring an upgraded design of the crown guards via the ref. 26400. Three years later, the reference was refreshed with the launch of an entirely new model featuring a white ceramic case, crown guards and pushers with titanium crown guards, such as the present example.
Regarded as a major breakthrough, the white ceramic case offers a completely refined appeal compared to its other counterparts. Housed under the crystal lies the iconic tappiserie dial in metallic silver with blue details matching cohesively with the luster of the white ceramic case.
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.
