The Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches Sold at Sotheby’s

A Brief History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

The name Audemars Piguet is synonymous with horological excellence, innovation, and timeless craftsmanship. Founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking. Audemars Piguet is credited with creating some of the most sophisticated and groundbreaking timepieces, including the first-minute repeater wristwatch and the world's first ultra-thin automatic tourbillon.

In 1972, the company revolutionized the luxury watch industry with the introduction of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch in stainless steel, featuring an octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and an integrated bracelet. Its avant-garde design defied conventions and redefined luxury watch aesthetics.

Building on this legacy, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was launched in 1993 to cater to a new generation of watch enthusiasts seeking bolder, sportier designs. Conceptualized by Emmanuel Gueit, this robust timepiece took the Royal Oak DNA and amplified it with a larger 42mm case, aggressive lines, and a reinforced structure. Initially met with skepticism, the Offshore quickly gained a cult following and became an icon in its own right. Over the years, it has served as a canvas for Audemars Piguet's technical mastery, featuring innovative materials, advanced complications, and exclusive limited editions.

In this article, we explore the most expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches sold at Sotheby's, highlighting their rarity, craftsmanship, and significance in horological history..

1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tradition d'Excellence No 4. Circa 2004, 423,000 USD

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold in May 2018 for 423,000 USD. Introduced in 2004, it showcased the brand's prowess in both traditional haute horlogerie and avant-garde design. Featuring a hand-wound tourbillon chronograph movement with a double power reserve indicator, it offered a 10-day power reserve and an additional display for the final 24 hours. The ultra-light titanium levers reduced inertia, while the platinum bracelet added significant weight and luxury. Initially estimated between $100,000 and $150,000, it far exceeded expectations, reflecting its desirability among collectors.

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore The Beast N 001 Reference 25721PT Circa 1997, 190,500 CHF

This platinum version of the Royal Oak Offshore sold in May 2024 for 190,500 CHF during Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva. Weighing an astonishing 520.95 grams, this watch was the first of only seven ever produced, making it an exceptionally rare collector's piece. The impeccable condition, original paperwork, and Audemars Piguet archives digital extract further enhanced its allure, making it a highly sought-after treasure.

Diamond AP Watch Gold — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 25894BA

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 25894BA Circa 1997, 176,400 CHF

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold for 176,400 CHF in May 2021. Created as a bespoke order by Audemars Piguet, it stands out for its lavish embellishment. The watch featured a heavy gold case, bracelet, and dial, all encrusted with 682 diamonds totaling approximately 18.5 carats. While the majority of the diamonds were brilliant-cut, the bracelet links were adorned with exquisite baguette-cut diamonds. Numbered "1" on the case back, this rare early E-series piece developed a captivating patina over the years, further adding to its collector appeal.

AP Watch 26288OF.OO.D002CR.01 Tourbillion — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Reference 25721ST.OO.1000ST.01

4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Reference 26288OF.OO.D002CR.01 Circa 2013, 162,500 USD

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold for $162,500 in December 2018. Crafted in pink gold and forged carbon fiber, its bold 47mm case set it apart. The watch's design was accentuated by a skeletonized black dial, a forged carbon bezel, and a combination of tourbillon and chronograph complications. These elements combined to create a striking and highly technical timepiece that captured the attention of collectors worldwide.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection remains a defining symbol of innovation and craftsmanship in the luxury watch industry. Each of these record-breaking Sotheby’s sales highlights not only the enduring appeal of these timepieces but also their significance in horological history. From intricate tourbillons to extravagant diamond-set cases, the Offshore line continues to push the boundaries of design and engineering. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the Royal Oak Offshore represents more than just a timepiece—it embodies artistry, heritage, and groundbreaking watchmaking. As Audemars Piguet continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the legacy of the Royal Oak Offshore will continue to captivate the world of haute horlogerie for generations to come.

Advantages to Buying Audemars Piguet Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Audemars Piguet watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers exceptional Audemars Piguet timepieces, from iconic classics to rare references. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Audemars Piguet watch models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Audemars Piguet watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Audemars Piguet watch models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized Audemars Piguet boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Audemars Piguet watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Audemars Piguet timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Audemars Piguet watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Audemars Piguet watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches at Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Audemars Piguet watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Audemars Piguet models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Audemars Piguet timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Audemars Piguet watches start around $25,000 for basic models of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Royal Oak Tourbillon and Royal Oak Carbon Concept often command starting prices of around $85,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.