Six models in 37 and 42 mm cases that confirm the 'Beast' status as versatile watches for active summer leisure.
Back in 1993, the first Royal Oak Offshore model challenged established perceptions of luxury watches. Presented in a massive case with a pronounced masculine design, these watches earned the nickname 'Beast' and status as a universal accessory for active leisure. They remain so today, 33 years later. It's no surprise that ahead of the summer season, Audemars Piguet introduced 6 new models in the collection. Two vibrant trios of chronographs in 42 and 37 mm cases, one of which is equipped with the new caliber 6401.
The larger models feature a 42 x 15.3 mm case made of steel or titanium. The watches are distinguished by a dial with the signature Mega Tapisserie pattern, enlivened by bright accents of turquoise, yellow, pink, and orange. In all models of this trio, one accent color is used for the chronograph hands, tachymeter scale, and start/stop button at the '2 o'clock' position, making the watch design more dynamic.
Inside the 42 mm case is the caliber 4404 - an integrated chronograph by Audemars Piguet, introduced in 2019 alongside the launch of the Code 11.59 collection. The caliber's construction combines a column wheel and vertical clutch, ensuring smooth chronograph operation. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz, the movement offers a 70-hour power reserve.
The watches are offered with interchangeable gray calfskin straps, stitched with colored thread. The estimated cost of the models is CHF 33,600.
The smaller diameter models bring the same summer vibe but in more compact 37 x 11.5 mm cases, suitable for a wider range of wrists. These watches use the latest mechanism by Audemars Piguet, the caliber 6401, presented only this year. At a balance frequency of 4 Hz, it provides a power reserve of 55 hours.
Designed especially for more compact cases, this caliber has a diameter of 27 mm (5 mm smaller than the caliber 4401) and a thickness of 5.7 mm. Previously, Royal Oak Offshore chronographs were assembled based on caliber 2835, which is based on the Frédéric Piguet 1185 mechanism. The shift to an in-house mechanism amid current trends towards compact case watches was quite expected.
Two of the three models in this series are offered in titanium cases, featuring either a turquoise dial with a simple bezel without diamonds or a pink dial with a steel bezel with diamonds. The third model features a pink gold case with a light blue dial framed by a diamond-set bezel.
The watches are offered on rubber straps matching the dial color. Estimated costs for the models are CHF 32,500 (titanium version), CHF 36,300 (titanium + diamonds), and CHF 54,100 (gold + diamonds).