New Watch | Audemars Piguet Unveils Three New Royal Oak Offshore Models: A Deep Dive into Design, Market Feedback, and Future Prospects

People who pay attention to the world's luxury watches are happy. Just two days ago, on August 9, 2024, in the heart of Le Brassus, the world-renowned watchmaker Audemars Piguet unveiled three striking new additions to its iconic Royal Oak Offshore collection. This launch , just in time for the end of summer, adds fresh color and style to the already celebrated line, reaffirming Audemars Piguet's commitment to push the boundaries of luxury watchmaking.The three watches combine stainless steel and 18-karat gold cases with colored rubber and black ceramic, and feature bronze and blue gradient “smoked” dials.

We are often asked by customers in the store about the Royal Oak Offshore model, so let's talk about Ap's distinguished model Royal Oak Offshore.

Royal Oak Offshore

Case Design:

The case size of Royal Oak Offshore is usually 42mm and above, which is larger and thicker than the classic Royal Oak, highlighting its sporty style.

Its octagonal bezel and exposed screw design continue the classic elements of Royal Oak, while the case is often made of stainless steel, ceramic, titanium and even precious metals.

Dial and Function:

The dial usually has a more exaggerated Mega Tapisserie design, which enhances the visual impact.

Many Royal Oak Offshore models are equipped with chronograph functions and other complex functions, such as flyback chronographs and tourbillons.

Target Audience:

Royal Oak Offshore is mainly aimed at customers who pursue luxury, dynamism and personalization, especially high-end consumers who hope to find a sense of power and unique design in their watches.

Price Range:

The price of the Royal Oak Offshore series is usually between US$20,000 and more than US$100,000, depending on the model, material and complex functions.

Market evaluation:

Since its launch, the Royal Oak Offshore has won high praise from watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world for its bold design and excellent watchmaking craftsmanship. Although its exaggerated size and design may not be suitable for everyone, it still occupies an important position in the high-end sports watch market.

Now that we have learned about Royal Oak Offshore, let’s take a closer look at the three new releases from AP this month.

1. Royal Oak Offshore 37mm Pink Gold (Ref: 77605OK.OO.A101CA.01)

• Case Material: 18K Pink Gold
• Case Diameter: 37mm
• Case Thickness: 12.1mm
• Bezel Material: Grey Rubber
• Dial: Ivory Grande Tapisserie dial with pink gold hour markers
• Movement: Caliber 5900, self-winding
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 4 Hz
• Water Resistance: 50 meters
• Strap: Grey rubber strap with mosaic pattern, 18K pink gold pin buckle
• Price: $47,200

2. Royal Oak Offshore 43mm Stainless Steel (Ref: 15605SK.OO.A350CA.01)

• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 14.4mm
• Bezel Material: Blue Rubber
• Dial: Smoked blue Mega Tapisserie dial with white gold hour markers
• Movement: Caliber 4302, self-winding
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 4 Hz
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Strap: Blue rubber strap with AP pin buckle
• Price: $27,400

3. Royal Oak Offshore 43mm Chronograph (Ref: 26420ST.OO.A828CR.01)

• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 14.4mm
• Bezel and Pushers: Ceramic pushers and crown
• Dial: Smoked bronze Mega Tapisserie dial with white gold hour markers
• Movement: Caliber 4401, self-winding flyback chronograph
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Frequency: 4 Hz
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Strap: Brown alligator strap with hand-finished steel buckle, additional black rubber strap included
• Price: $41,600

Regarding the three models released this summer, most of the customers who like AP in the market have the following opinions on them.

Design and Aesthetics:

Some AP users appreciate the unique designs, particularly the brown leather strap and the overall '70s vibe of the chronograph model. However, there are mixed feelings about the large Tapisserie pattern, which some find too bold and overpowering. The rubber bezels have also raised concerns, as previous experiences suggest they may deteriorate over time.
Brand Perception:

A few AP users express concern that the Royal Oak Offshore series might be losing its appeal, with some comparing it to an "expensive Swatch." There are comments suggesting that the brand may have become somewhat stale and uninspiring, with some even speculating that AI might have influenced the design choices.
Market Demand:

Despite some of the negative feedback, there is a consensus that these models will likely sell out due to their scarcity and the ongoing hype around the brand. The blue model, in particular, is seen as a potential summer favorite, even among those who are not typically AP enthusiasts.
Longevity and Durability:

Concerns have been raised about the long-term durability of the rubber components, especially the crowns and bezels. Some users anticipate issues with these parts becoming sticky and deteriorating over time, reflecting past experiences with similar materials used by the brand.
As Audemars Piguet continues to explore bold designs and innovate within the Royal Oak Offshore collection, the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries remains clear. While some enthusiasts may express concerns about design choices or material longevity, the enduring demand and loyal following of AP watches suggest that the brand will continue to thrive. In the future, we can expect Audemars Piguet to balance tradition with innovation, perhaps introducing even more daring concepts and refined craftsmanship. Whether it's through revisiting classic elements or embracing new technologies, AP's journey in the luxury watch industry is far from over, and collectors worldwide will undoubtedly be eager to see what comes next.