I have to warn you about something: Summer is getting closer (and so think about your shape!). But why did I guess this? Simply because Audemars Piguet has just released two watches  (one for men, one for ladies) in a context of a limited edition which celebates the 50th anniversary of the famous Byblos Palace Hotel in Saint-Tropez. So the conclusion is easy: the watches are perfect for spending nice holidays under the hot sun of the South of France.

To be honest with you, I will not write a large novel about the Royal Oak Offshore Byblos since it is an evolution of a very known watch. But I have to confess that I find it pretty attractive. Maybe it is due to the singing birds, the raising heat, the shorter dresses... but I have started to love the white & pink gold combo which symbolizes and defines the style of this watch. If the release had come during the winter, I'm sure that my feeling wouldn't have been the same.



Actually, there is something exciting with the watch. The color range is very light, soft and I can even say a bit feminine... but in the end very Saint Tropez due to the white touch. But this range is applied in a very powerful context: the Royal Oak Offshore one.

Don't expect to get a discreet watch. With its 44mm diameter, its thickness (14mm) and its prominent and oversized pushers, the pink gold atmosphere of the watch can be very easily perceived. But, very surprisingly,  the piece manages to convey a feeling of refinement and elegance.

No, no, I'm not smoking a forbidden substance. I experienced the same feeling with the Lebron James watch. And the comparison with the latter gives me the opportunity to express one of my regrets. Due to the Saint Tropez atmosphere, I would have loved to see the same pushers than with the white ceramic version. At least, the Lebron James watch was offering an original pusher. I would have expected the same with the Byblos limited edition.



The see-through caseback (sadly I didn't shoot it) gives the opportunity to observe the caliber 3126 which is actually the 3120 + a chronograph module. Its power reserve is around 50 hours for a 3hz frequency. The caseback crystal features the symbol of the Hotel and its milestone anniversary. To be honest, this drawing on the crystal is not very nice and spoils the view on the movement. To make a long story short, I would have preferred a solid caseback.

Anyway, it is always the same story, in a pure commercial perspective, it is better to offer the view on the movement even if the caliber diameter is too small for the case.

The white rubber strap is very comfortable and manages to firmly hold the piece in place. Good point due to the size and the weight of the watch. Please note that another rubber strap is available with a darker color if you want to wear the watch beyond the Summer.



In conclusion, I appreciated this watch for the subtle mix of power and refinement it offers. To be honest, it doesn't bring any real added value compared to the existing Royal Oak Offshore of the catalogue and I would have liked to see a more daring attitude with the pushers. But I was convinced by its beauty and its coherence with the context of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Byblos.

Thanks to Audemars Piguet France.

Pros:
+ a subtle mix of power and refinement
+ the white dial highlights the tapisserie pattern
+ the case finishes
+ the comfort of the rubber strap

Cons:
- I would have loved to see white ceramic pushers
- A solid caseback would have been better


Fr.Xavier