A Brief History of the Royal Oak Offshore
The development of the Offshore, between 1989 and 1993, mirrors in many ways that of its primary source of inspiration, the original Royal Oak. In 1989, the joint Managing Director of Audemars Piguet, Stephen Urquhart, tasked a young, talented designer named Emmanuel Gueit with designing a derivative version of the angular, octagonal model. Reportedly, the purpose of the request was to stimulate flagging sales of the Royal Oak by appealing to a younger audience.
The development process was arduous, with the project being interrupted and resumed on several occasions due to the controversial design of the watch, most notably its 42mm diameter. Rumour has it that when the watch was released at Baselworld in 1993, it came to be nicknamed "The Beast" due to its staggering proportions. Gerald Genta, the designer of the Royal Oak and Nautilus, burst into the Audemars Piguet stand at Baselworld, denouncing the Offshore as having ruined his original design. However, since then, the polarising design has achieved cult status.
The Royal Oak Offshore Diver reference 15703 was created in 2010, and the collection has only grown since then, including various versions in eye-catching colours. This particular variant was introduced in 2015, and bears slight differences, particularly with the addition of a sapphire caseback. This watch also meets the standards of the ISO 6245, a certification put in place by the International Organisation for Standards. This reference was eventually discontinued, and replaced with a similar variant, with golden details on the hands and inner bezel.
The Design
Those familiar with the Royal Oak’s heritage will immediately notice the porthole shaped bezel, a defining feature of the series, in addition to the integrated bracelet. This reference also includes the largest of the Tapisserie pattern dials - known as "Mega Tapisserie" amongst collectors - and thicker index markers, for improved legibility.
The dial and rubber strap are both in a matching, vibrant shade of khaki, while the raised steel bezel and case provide an attractive contrast, ensuring that the watch stands out on the wrist. Meanwhile, there are two crowns, both enclosed in khaki rubber – one at 3 o’clock, for winding or setting the time, and another at 10 o’clock, allowing the wearer to rotate the inner bezel, which includes Arabic numerals.
At 42mm in diameter, this is a modern watch that asserts itself comfortably on the wearer’s wrist. The rubber strap is fitted with a quick-change function and makes use of a stainless-steel pin buckle. The application of lume on the index markers and the differently sized hour and minute hands allow for increased visibility during dives, while a rotating bezel allows the user to track their dive times. The watch has a water resistance rating of 300m.
The Movement
This Ref. 15710 has a clear sapphire caseback which displays Audemars Piguet’s modern caliber 3120, complete with an engraved 22-carat gold rotor. It contains a Gyromax balance wheel, a detached escapement, and rhodium plated bridges that have bevelled edges and are beautifully finished with Côtes de Genève. The rotor displays two engravings, one of the Audemars Piguet emblem, a bird with three stars, and a castle pass with a flag, the other of a rearing stallion accompanied by three stars. The movement is fitted with 40 jewels and has a 60-hour power reserve.
The Set
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver comes with an outer and inner box, an international sales warranty booklet, a self-winding movement instructions booklet, a warranty card, and a slip that confirms the registration of the warranty for the piece.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15710 will be subject to 20% VAT. Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.