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T he Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is the robust iteration of the original 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, launched in 1993. Intended to offer an overtly sporty feel, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore instantly makes its presence known on the wrist with a chunkier case and pronounced angles and lines. Design-wise, it retains the octagonal bezel, engine-turned dial and integrated bracelet that defined the iconic Genta-designed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The Royal Oak Offshore is typically seen with more complicated movements, often chronographs, and a vibrant palette well-suited to the racing boats that inspired it.
As the Royal Oak Offshore has evolved, Audemars Piguet has used it to showcase its mastery of and advanced design innovation. In this article, we explore the most expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches sold at Sotheby's.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore series was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of haute horlogerie. The original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta in 1972, revolutionized the industry with its bold, octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. By the late 1980s, the watch had become an iconic symbol of luxury sports watches. However, Audemars Piguet sought to innovate further, envisioning a timepiece that would not only retain the Royal Oak's distinctive aesthetic but also cater to a new generation of watch enthusiasts who desired more substantial and robust designs.
In 1989, Emmanuel Gueit, a young designer at Audemars Piguet, presented a sketch that would redefine the legacy of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. His concept, which featured a larger, more aggressive case and enhanced durability, aimed to appeal to adventurous and active individuals. The design included a dramatic increase in case size to 42mm, a bold move that set it apart from the relatively modest dimensions of the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Despite initial resistance within the company, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, often referred to as "The Beast," made its debut at the Basel Watch Fair in 1993. Its imposing size and rugged construction were initially met with skepticism, but it quickly gained a dedicated following.
The AP Royal Oak Offshore series expanded over the years, incorporating various complications, materials, and limited editions that highlighted Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship and innovation. Notable collaborations, such as the "End of Days" model created with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the 1999 film of the same name, further cemented the Offshore's reputation. The series also introduced advanced materials like forged carbon and ceramics, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the watches. Today, the Royal Oak Offshore remains a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet's lineup, celebrated for its bold design, technical excellence, and enduring impact on the luxury watch industry.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold in May 2018 for 423,000 USD. Introduced as part of Audemars Piguet's esteemed Tradition d'Excellence Collection in 2004, this watch was among those showcasing the brand's prowess in both traditional watchmaking and innovative horological complications. This model featured a hand-wound tourbillon chronograph with a unique double power reserve indicator, displaying a clear 10-day resolution with an additional indication for the last 24 hours. The caliber 2893 was crafted with ultra-light titanium levers, reducing inertia significantly, and paired with a platinum bracelet, adding substantial weight and luxury to the watch. Significantly outperforming it’s estimate of 100,000 – 150,000 USD, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was highly desired by collectors
This platinum version of the Royal Oak Offshore sold in May 2024 for 190,500 CHF during Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva. It arrived at auction weighing an impressive 520.95 grams and was the first of only seven ever produced, making it an extremely rare and coveted piece. Its impeccable condition, complete with original paperwork and box, and a digital extract from the Audemars Piguet archives, added to its allure.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold for 176,400 CHF in May 2021, significantly exceeding its low estimate of 80,000 CHF. Produced as a personalised order by Audemars Piguet, this Royal Oak Offshore marked a personal jewel-encrusted example. The heavy gold case, bracelet, and the dial were decorated with pavé-set diamonds. While most of the watch had brilliant-cut diamonds, the links of the bracelet were adorned by baguette diamonds. In total, there were no less than 682 diamonds weighing approximately 18.5 carats. Created in 1997, this impressive early E series piece was numbered "1" on the case back. Carefully stored for many years, the gold had developed an attractive patina and some oxidation for the delight of collectors’ eyes.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore sold in December 2018 for 162,500, exceeding its high estimate of 162,500. This extremely rare piece in pink gold and forged carbon fibre was a striking example given its 47mm diameter. The tourbillion and chronograph complications combined with the skeletonized black dial and forged carbon bezel further added to the striking aesthetic of this Royal Oak Offshore.
At Sotheby’s our Audemars Piguet experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of an Audemars Piguet watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Expect to see prices for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches start at $25,000 to $30,000. Highly unique examples, and those housed in precious metal are priced at $40,000 upwards.
Trust our worldwide network of leading Audemars Piguet specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
