Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver White Gold 15720CN Evaluation

Born in 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore assortment was on the time of launch most likely one of the impactful fashions the watchmaking world had ever seen. Daring and provocative, it shortly turned a reference level for all different future ultra-sporty luxurious watches. Following the chronograph fashions, Audemars Piguet created in 2005 one other essential watch, the Royal Oak Offshore Diver (first entitled Royal Oak Offshore Scuba). Supplied in vibrant colors and funky combos of supplies, the Diver has undergone a deep replace earlier this 12 months, with a brand new assortment that we found right here. And it’s time now for the upgraded Royal Oak Offshore Diver to get its first restricted version, which is all about luxurious and distinction. 

If the identify Royal Oak Offshore Diver appeared in 2010, this particular sub-collection was initiated in 2005, with the launch of the Offshore Scuba. Strolling within the footsteps of its chronograph sibling, a watch born in 1993 and nicknamed “The Beast”, AP determined to do one thing a bit extra modern than simply making a 3-hand model of this inaugural watch. So, even when the Offshore Diver had loads in widespread relating to the design, it additionally introduced an aquatic theme to the gathering, one thing that was clearly new for AP again within the days. The primary era of stainless-steel Royal Oak Offshore Diver (ref. 15703ST) appeared in 2010, adopted in 2015 by the second era of ROO diver (ref. 15710ST), which got here with a see-through caseback and minor visible updates.

In March this 12 months, Audemars Piguet launched the third era of Royal Oak Offshore Diver. Visually, a lot of the emblematic design components have been saved, such because the 42mm diameter, the raised octagonal bezel, the inside rotating flange for dive time measurements, the extra crown at 10 o’clock and naturally the “Mega Tapisserie” sample. This third-generation ROO Diver may very well be seen as a deep evolution moderately than a revolution. But, in lots of facets, it’s a new watch, particularly relating to mechanics. Initially launched in stainless-steel with 3 completely different dial colors (khaki, blue, gray), AP now releases the primary restricted version, the reference 15720CN, a watch that brings luxurious and distinction, in addition to a cool new color scheme.

In late September 2021, Audemars Piguet has introduced this new mannequin, the primary restricted version based mostly on the up to date Royal Oak Offshore Diver. And if the bottom – perceive design, proportions, mechanics – is similar, this new model brings completely different supplies and colors, in addition to a typically-AP luxurious contact. What actually units this reference 15720CN aside is using 18k white gold for the case. It retains the identical proportions, which means a 42mm diameter and 14.2mm top, in addition to the identical general design and execution. The form is basic ROO, but it surely carries the identical updates because the metal fashions, which means extra refined brushed surfaces and a few work achieved on the polished accents.

Though this watch, whether or not the metal fashions or much more this white gold model, is a real luxurious piece, it stays a fairly critical dive watch too. The 2 ceramic crowns are screwed, and water resistant is rated at 300 metres – however let’s be actual, I doubt anybody will ever convey it to this depth. One other new function of this restricted version is using a black ceramic octagonal bezel that brings distinction and makes this version visually a bit extra compact. In fact, the signature rubber gasket positioned between the case and the bezel continues to be clearly seen.

In addition to the supplies, this new restricted version Royal Oak Offshore Diver additionally options new colors for the dial. It right here comes with the basic embossed “Méga Tapisserie” dial introduced in black, and it options the identical updates because the basic metal variations – smaller minute monitor, redesigned markers which are smaller and bolder, and achieved in two completely different lengths to separate quarter hours from 5-minute increments. All components of the dial – utilized markers and palms – are produced from polished 18k white gold and full of beige-coloured luminous materials. The identical color could be discovered on the inside rotating bezel, with a contrasting 0-15min section for higher legibility. Total, the mix of white metallic, black ceramic components and beige accents is actually enticing and comparatively discreet too.

Similar to the metal fashions, this new white gold Royal Oak Offshore Diver comes with an up to date in-house motion, the calibre 4308. Primarily based on the automated engine unveiled on Code 11.59, it is a contemporary motion with a concentrate on precision and reliability. It beats at 4Hz and boasts 60 hours of energy reserve. The sapphire crystal reveals a pleasant ornament, with Geneva stripes, round graining, bevelled edges and a brand new oscillating weight in blackened 22-carat pink gold.

Final however not least, this model retains the brand new interchangeability system, with quick-release pushers on the again of the strap, which was a part of the main improvements on this third-generation ROO Diver. Introduced on a basic black rubber strap with a white gold pin buckle, an extra beige interchangeable calfskin strap can also be included. And, as a part of the 2021 assortment for the Royal Oak Offshore Diver assortment, you can too get rubber straps in khaki, blue and gray, in addition to calfskin leather-based straps in brown and black.

Availability & Value

The brand new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 42mm White Gold reference 15720CN.OO.A002CA.01 will probably be a restricted version of 300 items, solely out there from chosen Audemars Piguet Boutiques. It retails for EUR 58,300 (incl. taxes). Extra particulars at www.audemarspiguet.com.