Audemars Piguet Offshore Notched Case 25770

MichaelC · 2013-09-13T12:26:46Z

Explore the unique charm and comfort of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore notched case, focusing on the rare 25770 references. Insights from collectors on design and wearability.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

18 replies8868 views7 photos

MichaelC, a long-time enthusiast of Audemars Piguet Offshores, shares his deep appreciation for the distinctive notched case design, particularly highlighting the 25770 models. His post delves into the unique aesthetic and functional advantages of this case style, offering valuable insights for collectors considering these less common references. MichaelC's detailed observations on strap attachment and wrist comfort provide a compelling argument for the enduring appeal of the notched case Offshore.

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It is no secret here that I have always enjoyed the notched case AP Offshores. I have owned several different models over the years, and my favorites are the arabic numeral 25770 models. Within this series, there were 3 dials offered, the silver, the blue with grey subdials, and the black End of Days. But even the variants with the blob markers are superb, and of course the common detail is the case.

Certainly there is some omission of the Royal Oak DNA by not having the plots attach to the case to hold a bracelet or strap. That is such a distinctive detail of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore lines. But what is gained is a different unique look, and function that allows the selected strap to emerge from the case without the rigidity of the plotted case models.

Here is my favorite notched case Offshore, the silver dial 25770 fitted on a kevlar velcro strap. I find the lines of the case very appealing. To my eyes it gives the watch a longer appearance than it really has.

On this naked EOD (BTW, this was far and away the scariest strap change I ever performed on any AP!), you see the robust dimension of the case as it bends down to receive the strap. For those who are not familiar with the strap attachment to a notched case Offshore, there is a round steel bar that gets inserted through the strap when mounted. It bears ever so slightly on each side where the hole is for the screw. The bar needs to be centered correctly and not sit too far to one side. The two screws then lock in from each lug, assuring the bar cannot slide and the strap will remain in place. In case you are wondering, AP makes a small tool for centering the bar. I have performed a good handful of 25770 strap changes over the years, and the tool is not necessary as long as you pay attention to other details as you affix the strap.

The bezel gasket seems accentuated on some of the older models.

And of course, the classic round rubber pushers and rubber coated AP crown. The square recess for the crown matches the squared recess for the strap attachment. Another novel aspect of the notched case Offshore is that you can actually set it down flat on a surface... certainly convenient for table shots

What really differentiates these cases is the look. More visual emphasis is placed upon the case and dial. Kind of a more traditional strap attachment to what is still a very engaging watch head. Maybe this design is more successful with the older references? I don't know. Certainly it looks very good on the ceramic cased Offshore Legacy, and that is a very cutting edge and modern model.

And of course, wrist comfort. I have always maintained that a smaller wristed individual will find more comfort with a notched case Offshore than a plotted case Offshore. The way the strap emerges from the case, it is allowed to extend down much faster than it can on a plotted case Offshore. I find I can wear both styles very comfortably, but on a notched case model I don't have the somewhat triangular void spaces below the lugs that I see when I wear a plotted case.

If you have never tried on a notched case Royal Oak Offshore, you certainly should try one. I have my own desire that we will see the style used again on a 42mm or 44mm case. I shared that interest with AP's Chief Artistic Officer Octavio Garcia at SIHH earlier this year... his reply? "You never know".

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25770

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph reference 25770 represents a 42mm iteration within the Offshore Chronograph series. This reference was produced from 2002 to 2010, featuring a blue dial configuration that distinguishes it within the model range.

The 42mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 2226/2840 movement, providing a 50-hour power reserve. The watch features a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with water resistance rated to 100 meters. The blue dial is complemented by a rubber strap, maintaining the sporty aesthetic of the Offshore series.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a substantial chronograph with modern proportions and contemporary materials. The eight-year production run from 2002 to 2010 places it within the established era of the Offshore collection, while the blue dial variant offers a specific colorway option for enthusiasts of the series. The rubber strap configuration provides a casual alternative to metal bracelet variants.

Specifications

Caliber: 2226/2840

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The notched case design, while a departure from the traditional Royal Oak, offers a unique aesthetic and improved comfort, especially for smaller wrists, by allowing the strap to emerge directly from the case without the rigidity of plotted lugs.
The 25770 models, particularly the silver and blue/grey dials, are highly admired for their unique aesthetics and Arabic numerals, with the silver dial being particularly rare (less than 150 produced).
The notched case design provides superior comfort compared to current Offshore cases with lug links, as it avoids the 'triangular void spaces' that can occur on smaller wrists with plotted cases.
The blue/grey dial variant of the 25770 is the most common and was also offered in stainless steel and titanium cases with bracelets, showcasing its versatility beyond the notched case.
The post has inspired new appreciation for the notched case, with some collectors, previously focused on dials, now eager to experience its comfort firsthand.

The Discussion

Sep 13, 2013

Damn . . .

. . . now you got me lusting again for a 25770. That's a really nice pictorial essay, Michael. Those watches look great. Dan

MichaelC

Sep 16, 2013

I know you love that silver dial Dan

Perhaps that will be your future 25770?? ;-)

docfink

Sep 13, 2013

An excellent and interesting read. Thanks! [nt]

MichaelC