In a world that seems to be progressing aggressively, immersing yourself in something familiar is like going back to the good old days. Nostalgia is what gives us this sense of continuity, reminding us of our younger, more playful years.
Today, brands have come to realize the power of nostalgia in marketing as a way of convincing consumers to spend their hard-earned cash on their business. Among them are luxury watchmakers who are tapping into old design features to appeal to the nostalgic nerves of watch fans.
Audemars Piguet is one of the Swiss watchmaking brands that’s winning in this strategy. It is known for modernizing its novelties for different collections—equipping its watches with the latest generation of movements and technology while retaining their iconic design elements. An example of this is the brand’s recent release of an updated Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore line now presented in a 43mm diameter case.
LOOK: AP Releases 6 Versions of the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 43mm
Fans got the first look at the Royal Oak in 1972—a revolutionary watch that introduced us to the concept of using steel in a luxury sports watch. It caused quite a stir in the watch market and the Offshore Chronograph collection almost did the same when it debuted in 1993.
Also known as The Beast, the Offshore Chronograph is a robust version of the famous Gérald Genta design, delivering a bolder, utilitarian look to the Royal Oak. Since its release, it has been regularly updated, the most recent of which is the 44mm version in 2003. Fast forward to 2021, Audemars Piguet has yet again presented new designs and technical updates to the line.
The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection is reintroduced with a more ergonomic and refined case that measures 43mm in diameter, and an all-new interchangeable strap system. It is presented in six versions: five flyback chronographs powered by the in-house Calibre 4401 movement and a flyback tourbillon that is limited to 100 units. Learn more about this article 4 Fabulous Tissot Watches for Men
The Royal Oak Offshore 43 Flyback Chronographs: Stainless Steel, Titanium, 18K Pink Gold
This latest launch is the first time we see an update of the Royal Oak Offshore, which has always been packaged in a 44mm case since 2003. The five new flyback chronograph versions are crafted in either stainless steel, titanium, or 18-carat pink gold, sporting a more ergonomically refined design.
Case
The ergonomic 43mm case features larger polished chamfers on the edges, while the bezel, screw-locked crown, and push-pieces are slightly curved for more aesthetic appeal. Except for the all-titanium version, the other four watches are outfitted with a ceramic bezel in a two-tone contrast. The case is completed with curved sapphire crystal glass.
Dial
Housed inside the case of the Offshore Chronograph is a sporty dial with refined finishes. It has the signature Méga Tapisserie pattern in shades of black, gray, taupe, or blue. Each offers contrast and high-end finishing to the model. Other updates involve the chronograph counters and the hour counter, which have been repositioned at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, respectively, for better legibility.
Meanwhile, the date window has been placed between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock, while the small seconds counter is relocated at 6 o’clock. As a finishing touch, you would find the applied gold AP initials at 12 o’clock, which align with the watch’s gold Royal Oak hands.
Movement
The new 43mm Offshore Flyback Chronograph line is powered by the Manufacturer’s latest in-house integrated chronograph, the Calibre 4401—a first for the Royal Oak Offshore collection. This self-winding chronograph boasts a column wheel and a flyback function, which allows you to restart it without stopping or resetting it first.
The case back also reveals components that are usually hidden from view: the blackened 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight, column wheel, and the so-called dance of the chronograph hammers. Overall, the movement has 70 hours of power reserve and 100m water resistance.
Bracelet
Seamlessly consolidating all the components of the watch is a rubber strap in shades of black, blue, gray, and brown. It is shipped with two additional interchangeable calfskin straps in brown or beige and a black alligator strap. You can easily swap these straps out, thanks to the brand’s patented interchangeable strap system—a quick click and release feature that allows you to change the straps and buckles of the watch yourself. There is also a double-push system for security.
The Royal Oak Offshore 43 Flying Tourbillon Flyback Chronograph
Alongside the five flyback chronograph references is the limited-edition Offshore 43 Flying Tourbillon & Flyback Chronograph. It is cased in 43mm titanium, featuring polished surfaces, black ceramic screw-down crown and pushers, and a black rubber strap that matches with the blackened open-worked dial.
The watch also features a sapphire exhibition case back, offering an uninterrupted view of the in-house Calibre 2967. Fans are also treated to a full view of the complex flying tourbillon, with no visible bridge. Similar to the five flyback chronograph models, the Offshore 43 Flying Tourbillon is equipped with an interchangeable strap system and is packaged with both brown and beige leather straps, along with black rubber. Overall, the watch has a sporty yet elegant aesthetic.
The latest 43mm Offshore Flyback Chronograph models retail between CHF 33,300 and CHF 51,600 or approximately $36,500 and $56,600—the most expensive of which is the one in 18-carat pink gold. Meanwhile, the price of the limited Flying Tourbillon version is available upon request. You can check the availability of these watches by heading to the Audemars Piguet website.
Get An Authentic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph!
The new 43mm dial update of the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is undeniably very intriguing. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or just starting out with luxury timepieces, you will surely love the style and quality of this model. But you have to make sure that you’re getting an authentic one. There are many counterfeit products in the market today, so it’s best to get your watch from an official Audemars Piguet store or authorized resellers. Our best is from TheWatchCompany.com. Their website has this model along with other Audemars Piguet models that might catch your attention, too. They have an array of luxury timepieces that are guaranteed authentic, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth. Be careful when buying luxury watches, you don’t want to have a failed investment. Always read reviews of the seller you’re planning to buy from and do more research about the watch model you’re eyeing on. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Takeaway
Audemars Piguet has established a reputation for its watches that perfectly balance extravagance and functionality. It offers a wide range of models, from classic watches to high-jewelry watches with all its sparkly details.
In a true AP fashion, this range of new AP Royal Oak Offshore 43 Chronographs look as flashy as they are functional. This new update is quite intriguing, so we hope we gave you a good introduction to it. You may want to upgrade your current watch to this new one, so it’s good to have a background on it. Whether it’s for yourself or for someone special the new AP Royal Oak Offshore 43 Chronograph will surely be appreciated and commended by anyone who appreciates luxury and quality.
