Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43mm Taupe Guide

MichaelC · 2021-06-24T19:51:14Z

Explore MichaelC's in-depth review of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43mm 'Smoked Taupe' chronograph. Discover its ergonomic case and stunning dial.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

33 replies8750 views2 photos

MichaelC, a seasoned Audemars Piguet collector, offers an exclusive first look at the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore 'Smoked Taupe' chronograph. His initial impressions delve into the watch's ergonomic case design and the nuanced beauty of its dial, providing invaluable insights for collectors considering this significant new reference. MichaelC's detailed observations highlight why this particular model stands out in the expansive Offshore lineage.

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There is so much to delve into with the new 43mm Royal Oak Offshore line. Crazy day here, so let me start with just 2 points:

1. I'm not sure I have seen a profile shot anywhere, despite the many articles on the watch. Not the best photo here, but at least it shows what is happening. The top of the bezel does curve from the middle (3-9) towards the top and bottom (12 & 6). As best I can tell, the bottom of the bezel is flat. The rubber gasket is tapered to make the flat bezel bottom meet the curved case. The crystal of course curves the same as the bezel top, from the center towards 12 & 6. The bottom of the case is curved, but the caseback is flat. Therefore, the caseback embeds itself into the case at 12 and 6.

The fit is great, there is no doubt about that. The curved case allows it to hunker to the wrist much better than a 42mm or 44mm.

2. Dial. Obviously, I went for what AP refers to as "smoked taupe". I have worn Offshores for 20 years. At the risk of coming across dramatic, this is the best looking Offshore dial I have ever seen. It is spectacular, and these 2 quick photos do nothing to correctly capture it. Sort of a silverized champagne in the middle, darkening as it goes to the outer edges. It melds into the black inner tach and bezel. It absolutely needs to be seen in person. I'll try for better shots when I get around to it. I know one thing, it is going to be a long while before I put anything else on my wrist.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 43mm Royal Oak Offshore case features a curved bezel top and case bottom, with a flat caseback that integrates into the case at 12 and 6 o'clock, enhancing wrist fit compared to 42mm and 44mm models.
The 'smoked taupe' dial is described as a silverized champagne in the center, darkening towards the edges, and is considered by a long-time collector to be the best Offshore dial to date, requiring an in-person viewing to fully appreciate.
The 'smoked taupe' dial's unique colorway positions it as a potential modern equivalent to the iconic 'Safari' Offshore, a sentiment shared by other collectors who had already placed orders based on initial images.
Audemars Piguet previously released a platinum 42mm Royal Oak Offshore with a similar 'fumé' dial, which was a limited run. The new 'smoked taupe' dial appearing on a steel and ceramic model was a surprise, as such unique dials were often reserved for precious metal editions.
The 43mm case design significantly improves wearability, even for collectors who found the 42mm comfortable, especially for those with flatter wrists, demonstrating the impact of subtle case geometry changes.
The 'smoked taupe' strap provided with the watch is a perfect match for the dial's middle tone, though a black strap is also an easy and appealing alternative.

The Discussion

India Whiskey Charlie

Jun 24, 2021

WOW! That's quite the watch

I love the dial and congratulations. Can't wait for more shots.

MichaelC

Jun 25, 2021

Noppy's shots are so much better than mine, check them out!

I'll continue to try and bring the insight of a long time AP collector. There really is lots to discuss with the watch, and I will get to some more detailed posts about it.

LiftAngle51

Jun 24, 2021

Cool Oak

At 43mm it fits me wel. Your pictures shows the shapes, so i know it fits me very wel. Hight is huge, it’s serious business.

MichaelC

Jun 25, 2021

I think the ergonomics / fit / feel are a significant part of this new design.

AP is a stating it, so we should confirm it. And I definitely do!

oyster case

Jun 24, 2021

Yes! Well done 👍 that is the combo I’d go for but I’m too obsessed with my 44 forged carbon black on black to consider adding 😌

Audemars Piguet has become a passion and ROO can’t be touched in the “sport” watch sphere imho! Congratulations 🥳👏

MichaelC

Jun 25, 2021

That 44 is a wonder for sure.

I briefly owned the titanium and ceramic grey dial model, oh how I loved that watch. The 43mm fits so much better, even better than the 42 if you can believe that. My wrist is very flat on top, so the 44 was OK, but these little case changes make a big difference.

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43mm Taupe Guide

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