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T he Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is the robust iteration of the original 1972 Royal Oak, launched in 1993. Intended to offer an overtly sporty feel, the AP Royal Oak Offshore instantly makes its presence known on the wrist with a chunkier case and pronounced angles and lines. Design-wise, it retains the octagonal bezel, engine-turned dial and integrated bracelet that defined the iconic Genta-designed Royal Oak. The Royal Oak Offshore is typically seen with more complicated movements, such as chronographs, and a vibrant palette well-suited to the racing boats that inspired it.
As the Royal Oak Offshore has evolved, Audemars Piguet has used it to showcase its mastery of more complicated movements and advanced design practices. In this article, we explore the four most expensive Royal Oak Offshore watches sold by our global network of Sotheby's specialists.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore series was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of traditional luxury watchmaking. The original Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in 1972, revolutionized the industry with its bold, octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. By the late 1980s, the watch had become an iconic symbol of luxury sports watches. However, Audemars Piguet sought to innovate further, envisioning a timepiece that would not only retain the Royal Oak's distinctive aesthetic but also cater to a new generation of watch enthusiasts who desired more substantial and robust designs.
In 1989, Emmanuel Gueit, a young designer at Audemars Piguet, presented a sketch that would redefine the Royal Oak's legacy. His concept, which featured a larger, more aggressive case and enhanced durability, aimed to appeal to adventurous and active individuals. The design included a dramatic increase in case size to 42mm, a bold move that set it apart from the relatively modest dimensions of the original Royal Oak. Despite initial resistance within the company, the Royal Oak Offshore, often referred to as "The Beast," made its debut at the Basel Watch Fair in 1993. Its imposing size and rugged construction were initially met with skepticism, but it quickly gained a dedicated following.
The AP Royal Oak Offshore series expanded over the years, incorporating various complications, materials, and limited editions that highlighted Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship and innovation. Notable collaborations, such as the "End of Days" model created with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the 1999 film of the same name, further cemented the Offshore's reputation. The series also introduced advanced materials like forged carbon and ceramics, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the watches. Today, the Royal Oak Offshore remains a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet's lineup, celebrated for its bold design, technical excellence, and enduring impact on the luxury watch industry.
This extraordinary Royal Oak Offshore was originally produced as part of Audemars Piguet's esteemed Tradition d'Excellence Collection, curated for auction in May 2018 and sold for 423,000 USD. Launched in 1999, this collection showcases the brand's prowess in both traditional and innovative horological complications. The above model featured a hand-wound tourbillon chronograph with a unique double power reserve indicator, displaying a clear 10-day resolution with an additional indication for the last 24 hours. The caliber 2893 was crafted with ultra-light titanium levers, reducing inertia significantly, paired with a platinum bracelet, adding substantial weight and luxury to the watch.
This platinum version of the Royal Oak Offshore was originally curated for auction in May 2024 and sold for 190,500 CHF. It arrived at auction weighing an impressive 520.95 grams and was the first of only seven ever produced, making it an extremely rare and coveted piece. Its impeccable condition, complete with original paperwork and box, and a digital extract from the Audemars Piguet archives, added to its allure.
This Reference 25894BA was originally curated for auction in May 2021 and sold for 176,400 CHF. It is a very important Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore example. It was produced upon a special or personalized order by Audemars Piguet. The heavy gold case and bracelet as well as the dial were decorated with pavé-set diamonds. While most of the watch had brilliant-cut diamonds, the links of the bracelet were adorned by baguette diamonds. In total, there were no less than 682 diamonds weighing approximately 18.5 carats.
This impressive and early E series piece was numbered "1" on the case back. It was made in 1997, just 4 years after the original launch of the Offshore. Carefully stored for many years, the gold had developed an attractive patina and some oxidation for the delight of the collector's eyes.
This extremely fine and rare pink gold and forged carbon Audemars Piguet Royal Oak tourbillon chronograph was originally curated for auction in December 2018 and sold for 162,500 USD.. The model was a striking example given its 47mm diameter. It included a skeletonized black dial and forged carbon bezel.
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