Audemars Royal Oak Offshore Black Ceramic Beast

The ROO Beast in black ceramic… That is it. No must tease you; you’re trying on the very first iteration of the basic, 1993-inspired model of the Royal Oak Offshore made solely of black ceramic, from case to bracelet. And never solely have been we already very enthusiastic in regards to the return of this watch two years in the past – in a barely up to date model, technically no less than – however seeing it now clad on this full-black, monochromatic look… Effectively, it’s fairly one thing certainly. Meet the brand new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm Black Ceramic ref. 26238CE, which celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the disruptive watch launched in 1993 by the Le Brassus-based manufacture. 

A really quick reminder. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, also referred to as the ROO or the Beast (in its first incarnation), was born in 1993 as a solution to the regular decline in gross sales of the basic Royal Oak. It was a watch to reply the wants of a youthful technology, extra in step with the tendencies of the period. Massive and daring, you possibly can see it as a sporty, chronograph-equipped, beefed-up evolution of the 1972 RO. And similar to its ancestor, the inaugural reference 25721ST made fairly an impression at launch (even Genta publically admitted he hated the ROO). You possibly can seek the advice of this in-depth article in order for you all the main points in regards to the 1993 Royal Oak Offshore Beast.

The next 30 years noticed numerous evolutions of the ROO reinterpreted with all kinds of supplies, dozens of colors, and all potential problems. This in depth choice offers you an concept of how far the model went with the Offshore idea. There may be one vital watch to say in right now’s context, nonetheless. It’s the 2021 reference 26238ST, a watch that marked the comeback of the unique 1993 look, a modernised Beast with an in-house built-in chronograph motion, but a design that was devoted to the watch that began all of it. The Beast was again, in a basic stainless-steel with blue dial version, but in addition in titanium with gray dial (26238TI) and in pink gold with blue and gold dial (26238OR), as we defined right here.

Now we’re in 2023, and the Royal Oak Offshore The Beast is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. And unsuprisingly, Audemars Piguet will likely be paying tribute to this vital watch with varied completely different fashions. And the primary to emerge doesn’t disappoint. Actually, it’s nearly as good on paper as one might have anticipated. Full-black ceramic Royal Oak watches have at all times been excessive on the listing of grail watches – take into consideration the RO Perpetual Calendar, the RO Double Steadiness Wheel Openworked and even the slightly pleasant 34mm Selfwinding RO – all extraordinarily in style and sought-after fashions. And now, for the primary time, the basic Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm comes on this identical monochromatic, full-black ceramic apparel… The Ceramic Beast, a.ok.a the 26238CE.

What is that this new ROO Black Ceramic about? In brief, it’s a new materials and a brand new monochromatic look utilized to the current re-edition of the Beast. Technically, there’s nothing new to report. Visually, nonetheless, the usage of just one color and a special materials makes a dramatic distinction. Let’s get on with the info: 42mm case, 15.3mm top, 100m waterproof, and a form that’s the closest you may get to the unique 1993 watch. Nearly all components of the habillage are executed in black ceramic – case, bezel, crown, pushers, crown guards – with the notable exceptions of the white gold hexagonal screws on the bezel and the caseback, which is titanium. Despite the fact that it’s product of ceramic, the case is completed similar to the metal model, with brushed surfaces and polished accents. And judging by earlier full-ceramic AP watches, they are going to be beautifully made.

The opposite notable distinction concerning this new Royal Oak Offshore Black Ceramic 26238CE is the dial. Initially, similar to the 2021 metal mannequin, it brings again the basic look of the Beast with a petite tapisserie sample, which is finished the basic means (engine-turned). New to this mannequin is the full-black look, sub-dials and date disc included. All components of the dial – fingers, markers, tracks, fonts – and the structure really feel acquainted if barely up to date in comparison with the 1993 mannequin. The place and dimension of the counters have modified as a result of new motion inside. Nonetheless, it retains the general emblematic type of the ROO.

What adjustments most in comparison with the unique watch is contained in the case. This new Royal Oak Offshore Black Ceramic 26238CE is provided, similar to its metal sister, with the in-house, built-in, computerized, flyback chronograph calibre 4404 – the bottom motion that was first launched in Code 11.59. It has been modified right here to have a 6-9-12 structure, matching the type of the unique ROO. Seen by way of the sapphire caseback, it’s a trendy, highly effective, properly designed/completed engine.

Final however definitely not least, it’s the first time the ROO is fitted on a ceramic bracelet. Thus, it retains the homogenous and emblematic look of the unique watch however now in a lighter, extra resistant materials with a completely monochromatic type. The bracelet, similar to the case, retains the basic ending of the gathering and is closed by a titanium folding clasp. Opposite to the metal, titanium and gold fashions, this ceramic version has no interchangeability system.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm Black Ceramic (reference 26238CE.OO.1300CE.01) is sort of a watch, and we’re definitely trying ahead to seeing it within the metallic – a hands-on article will come later. The value is CHF 70,000 (earlier than taxes) or EUR 84,000 (with EU Taxes). And keep in mind that full-ceramic watches are often onerous to accumulate. For extra particulars, please go to www.audemarspiguet.com.