MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
19584
The ultra-versatile Royal Oak Offshore titanium themes
Recently, I have been helping a friend and AP enthusiast decide on his first AP. He owns a few other nice watches, and has decided he wants to own a Royal Oak Offshore. Of course, a great decision for any collector.
Having owned and tried numerous Offshores and strap combinations over the years, I feel I can offer some reasonable insight into the options. As I was discussing this topic with my friend, I had a hard time denying that one of the most versatile Audemar Piguet Offshores I have ever owned is the titanium cased themes grey dial. The reference number for this fine machine is 26170TI.OO.1000TI.01.
The watch is supplied on a matching titanium bracelet. If you have never held or worn a Royal Oak Offshore with a titanium bracelet, you're missing out. The feel is sublime. You look at this incredible hunk of a watch on your wrist and wonder how it can be so light and comfortable. Yet it still maintains all of the class and refinement that the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore series typically ooze. There are many fans of forged carbon cased Offshores (which also offer a reduced weight compared to steel and precious metal models), but some do not care for the look of the carbon. So this all titanium reference really is a great option.
The watch is outfitted with black rubber pushers and crown. We saw so many "blackout" type watches from various brands in recent years that had mostly all black dials. This dark grey dial with black subdials and numerals (which turn to a dark green lume when charged) maintains great legibility, which is a rather important attribute for most of us.
We are all used to the beautiful finishing on the case of every AP, and the titanium metal seems to really emphasize how perfectly the brushed and polished areas are executed.
AP has a great clasp on its bracelet models; secure and stout without being over-engineered and bulky.
Of course, as a designer of custom homes, stone products, and many other things, I frequently let my mind wander, and imagine other options. When I first saw photos of this watch at SIHH some years ago, I remember thinking immediately that an RB2 strap would really be amazing on this watch. And in my opinion, it definitely is.
The grey stitching is a great match with the main dial, and the perforations sport it all up just a bit.
Works so well on the wrist.
This watch can change shades of grey in various lighting. I love when it darkens up like in the shot below.
The only reason for me to look beyond the RB2 strap on this titanium themes Offshore is the clasp. Don't get me wrong, I like the AP folding clasp in titanium and wear it on other pieces as well, but knowing the uber-comfort provided by AP's wide rubber straps and tang buckles makes me think about the Survivor and Diver rubber straps for just about ever Offshore that they will fit.
The cool think about the Survivor strap is the large extruded squares pattern that runs around the outside. Obviously, they really play well with AP's typical dial guilloche. The black rubber also pulls in the pushers and crown on this setup.
So comfortable on this strap.
I used a black Survivor buckle here. I also have a blasted titanium buckle, and when I tried a Diver strap I elected for it instead. The feel and look is quite similar, but I prefer the Survivor's unique strap pattern on this watch.
So comfortable on this strap.
I used a black Survivor buckle here. I also have a blasted titanium buckle, and when I tried a Diver strap I elected for it instead. The feel and look is quite similar, but I prefer the Survivor's unique strap pattern on this watch.
So this watch really can transform on different straps. I would think those with office jobs or positions which require nicer clothes and shirt cuffs will find the factory bracelet most appropriate. For the most dynamic and sporty look, the Rubens Barrichello II strap cannot be beat. It has an amazing look to it, maybe even better on this watch than on the RB2 watch itself. And for a more active lifestyle, or warmer climates, vacations, etc., the rubber strap on tang buckle is best. It is impervious to the elements and never gets uncomfortable.
I hope you have enjoyed my reminiscing of this wonderful titanium cased Royal Oak Offshore. For my money it is one of the best standard production Offshores AP has ever released.
The ultra-versatile Royal Oak Offshore titanium themes
Recently, I have been helping a friend and AP enthusiast decide on his first AP. He owns a few other nice watches, and has decided he wants to own a Royal Oak Offshore. Of course, a great decision for any collector. Having owned and tried numerous Offshor...
Not bad, not bad... Even if the watch I have in mind
When it comes to greyish cases is... The ROO Orchard Road! THAT is THE ROO for me! Along with the JP Montoya in Titanium. Hmmm! Best, nicolas.
Isn't the feel of the Orchard Road amazing?
I had one on in 2007. I could not get over how heavy that watch was. I loved it!
Yes, Michael. That is one of the missed opportunities I really regret.
I deeply loved that Watch, and always turned around it without being able to catch it... Best, Nicolas
I'm not sure I could ever decide between AP and Iron Maiden...
I was able to afford Iron Maiden CDs long before I could ever afford an AP though!
A very versatile and good looking AP!
Thanks for sharing the many possible strap combinations with this AP Michael. I've always liked this piece and the rubber combo just looks fantastic IMO. cheers fernando
Thanks for your remarks Fernando
AP always presents a watch on a perfectly suitable strap / bracelet... but it is still fun to tinker here and there ;-)
I am a huge fan of the black themes ti version
--which, sadly, is discontinued. I finally saw one in person last year... even better in person! I like yours a lot too Michael!
That black dial has a following too
And certainly looks good against the titanium case.
For how long.
Awesome, but... as all ROOs appear to be going 44mm, I wonder if you have any thoughts on how long this model will remain in the current collection. It would seem logical, after the ROs changed to 41mm, that the ROO will all become larger too. Particularl...
Hard to say Ed
But I have not heard anything about the 42mm collection being phased out. Perhaps new models will utilize the 44mm case size, but many of us are like you and enjoy the 42mm case. Always prudent to grab a model like this while you can, just in case.
Beautiful Combo
Wow, for one who doesn't usually look at ROO's (they're too big for my wrists - I prefer the RO), you have me lusting for the Titanium with RB strap combo. I tried on the Titanium and yes, you are right. The feeling is sublime. I'm only worried about the ...
How did I miss this post for three months?
Some great photos in there. The straps look fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
RB strap
Hi MichaelC, I really love your pairing of the Titanium with the RB strap. (In fact, I've got your article bookmarked even after all these years =P). I'm thinking of doing the same thing when I get my 1st Offshore. Right now, I'm split between the Titaniu...
Hello Friend...
I recently to town and caught your reply to this older post. Yes, the RB2 strap is leather with an alcantara lining on the inside. You are also correct about the Grand Prix straps not being compatible with the 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collections. Knowing ...
Great post
(Belated) some great ideas thanks. After a few years I'm in the process of swapping out my black rubberclad for a titanium grey themes which I still think is the pick of the standard models. I always found the combination of the steel case and rubber stra...
Welcome here. Never too late to enjoy a post!
I tend to prefer the wider AP Offshore straps with tang buckles. Nowadays, there are some good options to choose from. Please keep us posted!
Steel clasp on a 26170ti...!?
I found a 2012 26170ti recently in great condition. However I've been holding off because I noticed on close inspection that the clasp is stamped as stainless steel which I assume means that the bracelet is also SS. I'm pretty sure that the 26170ti was on...
I never really understood Ti watches until I owned one.
Amazing material and AP has created some cool pieces in Ti. I like the clasp bracelet and the tang buckle, both are very comfortable. JerryW
Audemars Piguet does titanium so well.
Have you had one for a while, or more recently?
Recent for an AP.
It is at the spa, can not wait to see what it looks like upon its return.
