In 2011 Audemars Piguet introduced the 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection with a 44 mm diameter case and a whole new design under ref. 26400 and later ref. 26401. Three years later, AP released the 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic and the 950 platinum reference 26401PO we have here. Following APs usual approach to platinum limited or special edition Offshore watches —which is not the case on this regular production watch—, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm Platinum ref. 26401PO.OO.A018CR.01 of course features a blue dial and a blue alligator strap that is reminiscent of the platinum Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II.
Things You Need to Know
Since platinum is a very dense metal with a density of 21.45 grams per cubic centimeter —almost triple when compared to steel at 7.9 g/cm3 and higher than gold at 19.32 g/cm3 and tantalum at 16.4 g/cm3— the platinum 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore is definitely a very heavy watch that is not necessarily right for everyone. Featuring a dark blue dial with silver-toned chrono counters, silver-toned outer minute track and a dark blue flange, this watch also features red hands for the chronograph.
The robust and ultra heavy 950 platinum case on this Offshore features the beefier design of the 44 mm Royal Oak Offshores with a black ceramic bezel and black ceramic pushers and screw-down crown. The case with a diameter of 44 mm has a thickness of 14.4 mm and is water resistant to a 100 meters.
Matching the dark blue color scheme of the dial, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm Platinum ref. 26401PO.OO.A018CR.01 is equipped with a dark blue large square scale alligator strap without the usual AP hornback look and secured by a platinum pin buckle. Without a doubt a watch that can play in a casual setting and a more dressed up atmosphere thanks to its platinum precious metal nature.
The Movement
As all other 44mm Royal Oak Offshores, this watch is fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the Audemars Piguet automatic calibre 3126/3840 composed of 365 parts, 59 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound. The case back is also made of platinum and fitted with a anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm Platinum ref. 26401PO wears exactly like all other 44 mm Royal Oak Offshores but much heavier —261 grams— due to the dense nature of its 950 platinum case. A stunning watch not made for those that can't handle ultra heavy watches on the wrist. While this reference 26401PO doesn't wear as heavy as the new platinum Royal Oak Offshore 'Pounder' ref. 26470PT we reviewed here —and which you need to read about—, this watch is still not your average platinum timepiece and still very hefty.
Sticker Price $69,200 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
