Initially perceived as a controversial watch by many and nicknamed by us as the 'Combat' because of its color scheme and unique camouflage pattern rubber strap, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26400SO.OO.A054CA.01. was the fist 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore to dive into the waters of the ‘camouflage’ look in 2018.
This year, three new camouflage iterations were released by Audemars Piguet while the Royal Oak Offshore ‘Combat’ is now officially discontinued. Adhering to the case construction of the Royal Oak Offshore 44 with ceramic bezel and ceramic pushers and crown, the new iterations are all offered with an additional solid color strap —blue, green and brown— for those not crazy about the camo pattern strap.
Two 400-piece limited editions in stainless steel —one with blue ceramic and blue dial and the other with khaki green dial and khaki green ceramic— and one 500-piece limited edition in 18K rose gold with brown dial and brown ceramic.
Things to Know About the Watch
While the first iteration ref. 26400SO.OO.A054CA.01 ‘Combat’ was not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, the three new models seem to work much better as their dials come in colors that are more universal and less unique. The stainless steel models come in marine blue and khaki green under references 26400SO.OO.A335CA.01 and 26400SO.OO.A055CA.01 respectively. The reference for the chocolate brown 18K rose gold model is 26401RO.OO.A087CA.01.
While the marine blue model is more uniform in terms of appearance, the brown and khaki brown models are true chameleons that emit different hues and shades of brown and green depending on lighting conditions.
And the one element that doesn't change at all, regardless of the lighting conditions is the camouflage pattern rubber strap. Not sure how many many dared to compare this new line of AP rubber straps to the camo straps sold by Horus. There is no base of comparison between the AP straps and the overall cheap craftsmanship of the Horus ones. These camo straps like all other rubber straps by Audemars Piguet are the best rubber straps in the market.
The Movement
As far as the movement, the new Royal Oak Offshores Camouflage are still powered by the modular calibre 3126/3840 based off of the AP calibre 3120. Composed of 365 parts and 59 jewels, the movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The watch is fitted with the now traditional display case back that allows for full view of the movement and the medallion on the case backs is engraved with the respective watch limitation but without a unique number for each piece within the limited edition run.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores Camouflage wear true to their size and with cool wrist presence. Our favorites are the khaki green, followed by the 18K rose gold brown model and lastly the marine blue. The greatest part about the watches is that the look changes drastically by replacing the camouflage straps with the solid color ones that accompany the watches. The stainless steel models are $1,200 USD more expensive that the discontinued ‘Combat’ and all three watches are exclusively sold at the AP Boutiques.
Sticker Price $32,200 USD —for stainless steel marine blue or khaki green— and $48,300 USD for 18K rose gold. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
