Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore 2014

MichaelC · 2014-01-20T10:23:55Z

Explore the 2014 Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore updates: ceramic pushers, display casebacks, and new dial colors. SIHH 2014 insights.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

19 replies7827 views6 photos

MichaelC provides an early look at the Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection updates from SIHH 2014. This article details the significant design and material changes, offering crucial insights for collectors interested in the evolution of this iconic sports watch line.

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Hello friends,

I am writing today not from Geneva, but from Denver. We have PuristSPro Moderators on the ground at SIHH who will be bringing forth much more information and live photos on the new AP novelties.

For now, let's take a look at what we know on the revised 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection. This year sees the 42mm Offshore line updated in a few key areas, with new dials and other features. Many, myself included, are very pleased to see that this case size will not be eliminated in favor of the more recently developed 44m Offshore case size.

What is eliminated from these models are the rubber pushers and crowns, now replaced with black ceramic. It appears in the following AP press photos that the pushers have also been increased in diameter. A new shape is used around the crown guard area, and is similar to that used in the 44mm collection. The white gold hands are now faceted, and dial markings have been updated.

Stainless steel case, slate-grey dial with black subdials and inner bezel:

Stainless steel case, ivory dial w/ brown subdials and inner bezel. This version looks like an updated Safari model.

Stainless steel case, black dial w/ red accents:

Stainless steel case, blue dial w/ silver subdials and blue inner bezel. AP's website indicates the chrono hands are yellow, but their photo sure makes them look orange:

18-carat pink gold case, gold toned dial w/ black subdials and inner bezel:

Same model on matching 18-carat pink gold bracelet:

All of these models now feature an open caseback and are powered by the caliber 3126/3840 manufacture movement. Hornback alligator straps are used on the slate, ivory, and black dial models. Blue rubber goes with the blue dial. The strap gold model uses regular black alligator. All strap models use tang buckles, and do away with the older AP deployant clasp.

As mentioned, I am real pleased the 42mm Offshore collection not only lives on but has been freshened to get up to date with other recent releases by AP. These watches should begin to hit AP boutiques and dealers in several months.

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-01-20 10:46:46

Key Points from the Discussion

The new black/white/red and blue/white/orange dial combinations are considered scintillating, while the all-gray version is seen as too subdued for an Offshore, potentially contradicting the model's bold identity.
The display caseback is a welcome addition, highlighting AP's haut-de-gamme movement finishing and distinguishing it from less refined chronographs.
The current 42mm Offshore collection, including rubberclads, is understood to be discontinued, with new rubberclad models expected in the future.
There is speculation and desire for ceramic bezels on the new 42mm Offshores, suggesting it would be a logical next upgrade.
The ceramic pushers and crown, along with the sapphire exhibition caseback, are highly praised updates to the collection.
A question arises regarding the taper and buckle size of the new straps compared to the previous 42mm line and the Diver strap.

The Discussion

mrnoppy

Jan 20, 2014

Beautiful ! Very well done indeed ! AP

I really love the black dial with red accents and the blue dial with orange accents models .. Kudos on the ceramic pushers and crown and sapphire exhibition caseback.. Can't wait for these to be available !

Tim_M

Jan 20, 2014

Love the Red and Blue variants

The new black/white/red and blue/white/orange combinations are scintillating, and although I'm not an ardent fan of the original Safari, it looks like the spiritual successor preserves the essentials of the first model. The all-gray strap/case/bezel/dial/numerals/etc. seems almost too subdued for an Offshore. I'm certain it's the "stealth" choice for people who want to keep a low profile, but then why buy an Offshore? Isn't that why AP cultivates two separate species of Royal Oak? Regardless, th

Colin W

Jan 20, 2014

Strap width?

Are the straps the same taper as on the current 42mm line up but featuring a smaller tang buckle or are they a thicker taper like the Diver strap with large tang buckle? Cheers

hamish

Jan 20, 2014

Question

Does the blue faced SS 42 have the same color blue dial and strap as the 44mm 26401?

MichaelC

Jan 20, 2014

Will try to get official answers to this question and Colin's above. [nt]

kennygfunk

Jan 20, 2014

Do the arabic numerals have lume? [nt]

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Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore 2014

Key Points from the Discussion

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