Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a stunning piece of watchmaking from this horological genius from Le Brassus, Switzerland. The Royal Oak line was originally designed by legendary watch maker Gerald Genta in 1972 and it graced the world stage as the very first luxury sports watch. The Royal Oak line is easily recognizable due to its screw fitted octagonal bezel and hand carved “Mega Tapisserie” guilloche dial.
The case is sculpted from forged carbon which adds an element of texture to this piece. Conversely, the bezel is made from titanium which secures a glare proofed, scratch resistant sapphire crystal. The case totals 42mm for the diameter, and rides high on the wrist with a case thickness of 13.9mm. Both crowns at the 10 and 3 o’clock positions are screw locked and are clad in black rubber for greater dexterity. The main winding crown at 3 is used to set the time and date, while the crown at the 10 position operates the internal rotating diving scale which is located on the flange. As a diving watch this model is water resistant to 300 meters (30 Bar), which makes it ideally suited for all types of aquatic activities.
The movement driving this tremendous watch is an in house mechanical self-winding Calibre 3120 which is made entirely in Switzerland. The balance wheel vibrates at a constant 21,600 vibrations per hour or 3 Hz. The oscillating weight is carved from a single block of 22Kt gold, and features the crests of the two founding families of Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet. The oscillating weight winds the main spring in both directions ensuring that this watch remains fully charged and, thus is likely to be more accurate. The Calibre 3120 carries a power reserve of 60 hours.
The dial is slate grey matching the forged carbon case and it also features luminous hour markers and hands. The hour marker at the 12 position is rendered with a double hash; this is the first model in the Royal Oak Offshore line to do so. At the 3 o’clock position there is a relatively large date aperture. The minute hand is rimmed in yellow, making it easy to discern the time remaining on a dive while underwater. Completing the Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a volcanized rubber strap fitted with a titanium pin buckle.
