WATCH COLLECTING LIFESTYLE

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Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor. The Most Revolutionary Offshore.

When it comes to Audemars Piguet watches, we all know that because of their exclusivity and limited production, we rarely see them in the wild. Now, how often do you come in contact with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor? Pretty much never. Well, here's one for your viewing pleasure.

This amazing timepiece was launched by Audemars Piguet at the end of 2008 as the limited edition Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26165IO.00.A002CA.01 in only a 1,000 pieces. It sold out almost immediately after its launch. 

Without a doubt, this Royal Oak Offshore Survivor is the one that started the true evolution of the Royal Oak Offshore line into what it is today. Fitted with a blackened and perforated titanium case measuring 42mm in diameter with grooves on the profile of the case at 9, a grooved ceramic bezel and chrono pushers in ceramic with titanium guards, this watch is the perfect match to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica. This car is as revolutionary as this Offshore.

Even though this watch is extremely sleek and progressive in design and innovation, it still remains true to the Royal Oak Offshore nature and essence without compromise.

While the case construction appears massive and bulky, this watch wears true to its size. Just like the grooves on the case and bezel, the crown and hands are also very rugged making the watch look like a complex machine. The dial is pure perfection and very well balanced. The running seconds are on a silvered register that is fitted with a hand that has a red tip that adds the right amount of contrast.

The beating heart inside this revolutionary timepiece is the Audemars Piguet automatic calibre 3126/3840 with 59 jewels and a power reserve of 60 hours. To protect this amazing calibre, the watch is fitted with a nicely crafted and sturdy titanium case back with beautiful dimples on the center.

The rubber strap is slightly more flexible than other Offshore straps and quite comfortable. The watch is so light that it almost feels like its not on your wrist. The strap is fitted with a blackened titanium clasp very similar to the one on the Forged Carbon or Ceramic Divers. Its unmistakeable set of squared lines along the sides are the perfect match to the 'méga tapisserie' dial. The plots that connect the strap to the case have two small perforations to match the perforations on the case.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor is a watch that, even after several years from its launch, still makes our hearts skip a beat with its beauty, uniqueness and overtly masculine design.

When found, the pre-owned sticker price ranges from $35,000-$42,000 USD.

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