I wanted to come back to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Ghost" which I particularly appreciate... And as you understood it, I finally decided to buy it! Let's be clear: it does not revolutionize this collection but it has enough interesting details to distinguish itself from other models.

The first element that strikes the mind is its chromatic approach, resolutely monochrome. This atmosphere all in shades of gray can't be more seductive and refined. The ceramic bezel offers an extremely wide range of reflections that, depending on the context, contrast or blend with the titanium case. The slate-colored dial offers a more stable look that matches perfectly with the other components of the watch. The silvered counters stand out clearly without swearing with the "Mega Tapisserie" pattern. However, I still have trouble reading the date that seems to be at the bottom of a pit despite the magnifying glass (or I need better glasses!).

The overall rendering is both soft and very elegant. The watch, however, has a lot of character. It is above all a Royal Oak Offshore 42mm with all that implies, including a powerful design highlighted by the visual presence of the bezel and the very subtle work done on the crown guard. Then the watch is thick (14.5mm) which gives it a relatively stocky appearance. The pushers and crown are also made of gray ceramic and echo the bezel while being clearly distinguishable from the case.

The choice of materials is therefore judicious from the aesthetic point of view. It is also from the practical point of view. Titanium makes the watch lighter and more comfortable. Ceramic corrects one of the great weaknesses of the Royal Oak: the fact that the bezel can be easily scratched. And a scratch on a Royal Oak bezel is like a scar. The Royal Oak Offshore "Ghost" is in my point of view a piece extremely well thought while being at the same time more discreet and better adapted to a daily wear.

The rendering of the bezel changes significantly according to the light conditions:



This is obviously the eternal debate: such a watch deserves an integrated chronograph movement and the question is to know when Audemars Piguet will unveil it. It is not obvious that this future movement will be dedicated to the Royal Oak Offshore because it could rather replace first the caliber Frederic Piguet 1185 which animates the Royal Oak chronograph. In any case, the modular construction is hardly a problem in the context of the Royal Oak Offshore. The watch is thick and it fits well with its style. In addition, the module allows to put the date window at 3 o'clock. Personally, I would have preferred that the permanent second hand is located at 9 o'clock and the minutes totalizer at noon but it is not a very serious issue. Indeed, the Royal Oak Offshore 42mm in its chronograph version is above all an aesthetic success and even if the pushers are not screwed, I personally don't use very often the chronograph function. The good surprise is that the chronograph module is pleasant to handle, the chronograph can be start or stop precisely.

The rubber strap is finally doubly successful. Firstly because it is beautifully made with its two-color approach. The dominant pale gray enhances the gray shades of the case and dial while the dark gray edges bring a touch of originality. And secondly, because it is effective by firmly positioning the watch on the wrist.

The Royal Oak Offshore "Ghost" 26470IO is for all these reasons very convincing. It is aimed at customers who want to enter the world of Royal Oak Offshore while maintaining a good dose of elegance and control. It is a perfect compromise between class and audacity while offering carefully chosen materials. It is therefore for me one of the most beautiful novelties from Audemars Piguet in 2018.

Pros:
+ a successful stylistic approach
+ the case finish
+ the comfort on the wrist despite the large size
+ an excellent compromise between class and audacity
- the modular construction of the chronograph movement for a watch offered at this price range