Introducing the Latest Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic Chronographs With Advanced Movements
3 min read
Ceramic has long been a hallmark of the Royal Oak Offshore collection, known for its robustness and scratch-resistant qualities. As Audemars Piguet celebrates its monumental 150th anniversary, the brand unveils two new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs, each featuring the unique, avant-garde design of ceramic—a material that has become synonymous with durability and sleek aesthetics in the watchmaking world.
The first model boasts a striking 43 mm black ceramic case, with a bold three-tone design. This timepiece combines the dark allure of black ceramic with green ceramic elements on the bezel, crown, and push-pieces. Titanium details further elevate the watch, adding depth and contrast to the overall look. The dial, a masterpiece in its own right, features the latest generation Méga Tapisserie pattern in dark green PVD, paired with black inner bezels and snailed counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The contrast between the 18-carat white gold hands and luminescent hour markers adds a touch of brilliance to the dark green and black palette. Additionally, the watch features an interchangeable strap system with a dark green textured leather strap and a black rubber strap, allowing the wearer to customize their look.
The second model embraces a more minimalist approach with its 42 mm black ceramic case and matching integrated bracelet. The design leans into a monochromatic aesthetic, punctuated only by the eight hexagonal screws in steel and the signature AP monogram. The dial follows suit, with the Méga Tapisserie pattern and inner bezel in black, creating a sleek, uniform appearance across the entire watch. The monochrome theme is enhanced by dark grey tachymeter scales and chronograph indications, perfectly complementing the blackened 18-carat white gold hands and hour markers.
Cutting-Edge Chronograph Movements
Both of these Royal Oak Offshore models are powered by Audemars Piguet’s latest integrated selfwinding chronograph movements: Calibre 4401 in the 43 mm model and Calibre 4404 in the 42 mm model. These movements incorporate flyback functionality, which allows the wearer to reset and restart the chronograph without stopping it first—an important feature for precise timekeeping.
One of the standout features of these movements is the column wheel and vertical clutch system, which ensures smooth operation of the chronograph hands without any jumping or stuttering. Additionally, a patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that the flyback chronograph hands reset instantaneously to zero when needed.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the intricate decorations of these movements can be admired. These include Côtes de Genève, vertical, circular, and sunray brushing, along with polished chamfers that enhance the overall craftsmanship of the timepiece. The movements are also adorned with a 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight that adds a touch of refinement.
A key feature of the new Royal Oak Offshore models is the use of ceramic, a material that requires precision and craftsmanship. The process starts with selecting and blending Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) powder, which is sintered at over 1,400°C to achieve the perfect hue. Each ceramic component is then meticulously finished with polished and satin-brushed techniques, revealing its beauty and ensuring both durability and striking visual appeal.
With Audemars Piguet leading the charge into a new era, these two new models from the Royal Oak Offshore collection represent the brand’s continued evolution in the world of haute horlogerie—where precision, innovation, and design meet to create the ultimate in luxury timepieces.
