Audemars Piguet has released images of the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph Watch that will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Watches & Wonders exhibition in Hong Kong. This newcomer combines an unusual chronograph-tourbillon mechanism crafted from Renaud & Papi with a carbon composite case.
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph (ref. 26550AU.OO.A002CA.01) is a member of the iconic Royal Oak Offshore luxury sports watch collection by Audemars Piguet. It is a supersized successor of the original Royal Oak from 1972. The Royal Oak Offshore is born 21 years later, in 1993, followed by its many versions and special limited editions acquired a bit of a cult among Audemars Piguet fans. This year’s novelty boasts recognizable Royal Oak Offshore strongbox case, octagonal bezel and “Tapisserie” pattern.
The Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph is equipped with the latest Caliber 2897 automatic mechanical movement which has been specially developed for this model. The exceptional self-winding movement features a tourbillion and a column-wheel chronograph and has the beating rate of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3Hz).
Automatic winding is achieved thanks to a peripheral oscillating weight in circular satin-brushed 950 platinum, mounted on ball bearings. A striking tourbillion complication can be seen through a cut-out on the dial side at the 6 o’clock position.
The movement consists of 335 individual parts, each beveled, polished, chamfered and decorated entirely by hand. All movement parts are finely decorated and boast the high level of finish expected from an Audemars Piguet watch. The movement offers at least 65 hours of power reserve.
The exquiste mechanism is housed in a forged carbon case, with black ceramic bezel, crown, and push pieces, as well as titanium push-piece guards. Its sturdy case measures 44mm in diameter and 14mm in thickness.
A dark-colored dial features a signature Audemars Piguet’s “Méga Tapisserie” motif and offers a high level of legibility. Besides a tourbillon aperture, there is also a small seconds counter at the 9 o’clock position, and a 30-minute chrono counter which is located at the 3 o’clock position.
A modern, sleek black look of the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon is complemented with a black rubber strap, ending with a titanium pin buckle.
The watch that will be premiered next month at Watches & Wonders exhibition in Hong Kong will be produced in limited series of only 50 specimens. The retail price will be $285,600.
The Watches&Wonders exhibition is organized by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and represents the most significant event of this kind in Asia. This year, the invite-only event for thousands of collectors and fine watchmaking admirers will be held for the second time from September 30 to October 2, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
