Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 'Beast'

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SKU AS03067
SKU AS03067

Why We Love it

Why We Love It

Royal Oak.

It was the design that made Gerald Genta's career and remains, without question, the most celebrated collection in Audemars Piguet's near 145 year long history.

Despite its early success in the 1970s and 80s, by the early 1990s sales of the port-hole inspired timepiece were on the decline. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release, and perhaps reinvigorate sales, AP turned to a young designer named Emmanuel Gueit.

To say that Gueit reinterpreted Genta's classic design would be an understatement. The resulting watch was bigger, heavier, and bolder than ever before. The blue micro-tapisserie dial is deeply set into a thick octagonal steel bezel, balanced by blue 'therban' pushers and crown. It was bigger than virtually anything else on the market in 1993 and inadvertently began a trend of massive timepieces which, to one extent or another, continues to this day. 

The first 100 examples were made with the simple "Royal Oak" moniker engraved on the case back, with "Offshore" coming afterwards. This particular piece is an exceptionally early example, number 103, meaning it is quite literally the third watch ever to be christened "Offshore".    

From an historic perspective, this is the watch that brought Audemars Piguet, and one could argue the larger Swiss watch industry, into the modern age.

This early Royal Oak Offshore is an incredible collector grade piece from a critical moment in Audemars Piguet's story. Don't miss out!

 The Story

Audemars Piguet, the vaunted manufacture from Les Brassus, wasn't doing so well at the end of the 1960s.  Their horological prowess aside, times were changing, customer tastes were evolving, and AP was stuck firmly in a very traditional past. Fortunately for us, their executives recognized this, and bet it all on the launch of an avant garde timepiece the likes of which the world had never seen.

Utilizing the talents of a designer named Gerald Genta, who would make his name for designing this very watch, AP planned from the beginning to make this new watch - dubbed the Royal Oak - a contradiction to tradition, and it became the world's first luxury sports watch.  Made in steel.  The gamble paid off, and the watch world clamored to get their hands on the cutting edge design, which featured a sharply angled watch with integrated bracelet, micro tapisserie dial, and ultra thin movement.

The response was so positive that their initial allocation sold out, resulting in an extension of the line as they scrambled to meet demand.  It can be said without question that the original Reference 5402 "A Series" - nicknamed by collectors as the "Jumbo" for its massive 39mm size - single handedly paved the way for a very bright future for Audemars Piguet. 

 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 'Beast'

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 'Beast'

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 'Beast'

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