Balance & Bridge Team
- Nov 7, 2023
- 3 min read

Audemars Piguet's New Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs: A 30th Anniversary Celebration

The New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph - Image Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

30th Anniversary Worthy

Audemars Piguet, the renowned Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer, is proud to unveil its latest masterpieces - the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic collection, these two new timepieces seamlessly blend ceramic, titanium, and gold, offering not only unmatched style but also exceptional ergonomics. Complemented by a calfskin leather strap with a textile effect, and powered by the state-of-the-art Calibre 4401 selfwinding chronograph movement, these watches are destined to be the new standard for watch enthusiasts.

These 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs are a reinterpretation of the 44mm 26405CE reference from 2020. The emphasis here is on ergonomics and the innovative use of materials. Audemars Piguet has carefully crafted these timepieces by playing with ceramic, pink gold, and titanium to enhance contrast and readability. The watch features large polished chamfers and a slightly curved bezel, crown, and push-pieces for a striking design. The sapphire crystal is expertly curved to match the profile of the bezel, reducing glare. Ceramic components are the highlight here, undergoing an intricate manufacturing process for a homogenous color. They are then hand-finished with polished chamfers and satin-brushed surfaces, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality.

Audemars Piguet's Striking Design

The New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph - Image Courtesy of Audemars Piguet — Showcasing a Blue Ceramic Bezel - Image Courtesy of Audemars Piguet

In the first model, a black ceramic case is accented by a blue ceramic bezel, push-pieces, and crown. Titanium push-piece guards and studs further enhance the ceramic components. The deep blue Méga Tapisserie dial gradually turns black at the periphery and features three black counters illuminated by white gold baton hour-markers and luminescent hands, ensuring exceptional legibility.

Precious Metal Execution

The second reference combines an 18-carat pink gold case with a black ceramic crown and push-pieces, providing a luminous contrast against the uniform grey Méga Tapisserie dial. Pink gold baton hour-markers and luminescent hands add to the watch's overall appeal.

These Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs come with an interchangeable strap system introduced in 2021, showcasing Audemars Piguet's commitment to innovation. The calfskin leather straps feature a textile effect and are elegantly edged with black stitching, perfectly matched to the dial colors. Additionally, each watch includes a second black rubber strap for those seeking a more sporty look.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Selfwinding Movement - Calibre 4401

At the heart of these timepieces beats Calibre 4401, Audemars Piguet's latest selfwinding integrated chronograph movement. This caliber stands out with its column wheel and flyback function, setting it apart from regular chronographs. The flyback function allows the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single press of the push-piece, ensuring seamless timing precision. Thanks to the vertical clutch, the seconds hand responds immediately when starting or stopping the chronograph. Audemars Piguet's attention to detail is evident in the smooth push-piece operation, and a patented mechanism ensures that the hands on the counters return to their vertical position when reset to zero. The movement is exquisitely decorated with Côtes de Genève, circular graining, sunray brushing, circular satin, and polished chamfers, all visible through the sapphire caseback.

A Noteworthy Continuation of the Classic from Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet's latest 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs are a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and style. With their exceptional combination of materials, interchangeable straps, and the advanced Calibre 4401 movement, these watches are a true celebration of the Royal Oak Offshore collection's 30th anniversary. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity with these remarkable timepieces.

Prices starting at $57,900

View on Audemars Piguet

Thank you to Audemars Piguet for providing all images and additional information for this article and thank you for reading.

Balance & Bridge