A few years ago, we wrote about the new funky colours Audemars Piguet released for their Royal Oak Offshore Diver. Large, brash and loud, I immediately dismissed it at first before slightly softening to the idea that, I just might be able to pull this off. This year, AP have released a new set of Royal Oak Offshore divers but with a little more restraint on the colour palate, with some warm earthy tones.
For 2021, Audemars Piguet have introduced three new colours for the Offshore: khaki, blue and grey sport, with a new dial aesthetic – that isn’t instantly noticeable but does make the dial appear cleaner. What you get is a 42mm stainless steel case with a mega tapisserie dial that is water-resistant to 300 meters. Looking closer at the dial you’ll notice that it now only bears the AP logo just below the 12 o’clock, a rather simple change but one that is most effective. You’ll also notice the indices are shorter in length but wider adding to its brutish appearance.
The usual inner rotating bezel and crown at 10 o’clock is there with a rubber strap that matches the dial of the watch. While we are on the subject of straps, Audemars have also gone a step further with theirs this year and added a feature that is becoming more popular. AP have added an interchangeable strap system for the latest additions to the Royal Oak Offshore collection. The ease and efficiency of the new system will allow you to change the straps and buckles yourself with a quick click and release. The rubber straps are available in green, blue, grey and black and in addition there is a further three calfskin leather straps in beige, brown and black, for when you want to change things up a little.
On the movement front, there has been quite the change and so these Offshores are now powered by the new calibre 4308, which can be seen through the sapphire case back. The new self-winding automatic calibre 4308, features a new instant-jump date indication and boast 60-hours of power reserve, and is equipped with a patented setting mechanism. Looking through the sapphire case back, you’ll notice AP have lavish much attention to detail on the new calibre 4308 such as, such as “Côtes de Genève,” “traits tirés” and circular graining, as well as a new dedicated oscillating weight in blackened 22-carat pink gold.
FLEETING THOUGHTS
These new diving instruments are big and bold and yet Audemars Piguet have managed to make this new ROO Diver still look refined. The thoughtful use of colours and minute details make this, 300m water-resistant, divers watch a little bit special in my humble opinion. That said, the only problem I see is choosing which colour dial to go with, as they’re all good in my humble opinion. Remember when there was just one Offshore Diver? Stainless steel, black dial and rugged – it is still my favourite.
The new Royal Oak Offshore, as mentioned, is available in stainless steel with a Khaki, Blue, Grey dial on a matching rubber strap and is priced at £23,100. For more information, visit the audemarspiguet.com.
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