Audemars Piguet Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph 25th
Complications

Audemars Piguet Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph 25th

By Hackworth · Mar 27, 2021 · 21 replies
Hackworth
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
21 replies6788 views6 photos
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Hackworth, a prominent collector, shares his journey to acquire the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph 25th Anniversary. This article delves into his personal review of this rare timepiece, offering a unique perspective on its design, wrist presence, and exceptional movement. His insights provide valuable context for understanding why this limited edition stands out even among other high-complication AP models.

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Been trying to obtain this model for months, and after being informed the only steel version in China (from Beijing Boutique) is being sold on secondary market, had to pick it up. Being a limited edition of 50 peices in either steel or rose gold, I have to say that this is something you don't see very often and is much rarer than most AP concepts. 

Below I will attempt to give a brief review paired with pics:



As you can see the watch is quite a monster on the wrist, with a size of 45mm, bigger than your typical 42 & 44, and is thicker than the ROOs of 42 and 44 as well. I've seen a few people with small wrists try this watch on and I have to say it looks quite stupid, with the width of the bezel as the same width as their wrist. However the watch is not heavy at all, which I believe is a combination of 1) not having an actual bezel (see below)  2) skeletonized movement for the most part.


The dial and front of the watch feels very different from any other Offshore - they've made a couple bold design options and I have to say it feels like it's paid off. The solid bezel is replaced purely by sapphire, so basically the bezel is a part of the one-peice sapphire, though you still have the outline of the bezel shape due to the presence of the tachymetre. The dial is hard to describe, it's unlike your typical skeleton which has many ridges and bridges, it instead has a spiral ladder-step type of feel, with multiple layers of depth. It feels like you're looking into some sort of a three-dimensional chamber. The case itself is built differently from other offshores as well, with the connecting edges shaped differently, with a larger surface area of polished steel.


The design of the chrono-pushers are simply put quite sexy, they're shaped like some sort of pushers on a supercar steering wheel (looks like back headlights of a MacLaren to me).  The crown is big, and winding a smooth and seamless. Overall the entire case design feels rather futuristic for a ROO.


Wrist presence of this watch is probably second to none - the finishing on the case screams excellence, and from a small distance you can tell it's some sort of skeletonized ROO. Though as I said before, smaller wrists and skinnier body types probably not suited for this watch.




And last but not least - the movement is out of this world, probably one of the best looking movements alongside the AP Schumacher Laptimer.


Hope you guys enjoyed this, and would be glad to answer any questions wink

- Hackworth

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15305

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15305 is a notable variant within the Royal Oak line, distinguished by its openworked dial and movement, offering a direct view into the intricate mechanics. This reference represents a more elaborate and technically complex interpretation of the standard Royal Oak, appealing to collectors who appreciate haute horlogerie and the art of skeletonization. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a less common sight compared to its solid-dial counterparts. The openworked design allows for an appreciation of the finishing and architecture of the movement, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.

The watch features a 39 mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, maintaining the classic Royal Oak proportions. It houses the self-winding Caliber 3120, which is meticulously openworked and finished to expose its components. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed octagonal bezel, a signature element of the Royal Oak, is also in 18k yellow gold.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Royal Oak with an enhanced level of mechanical artistry and exclusivity. Its openworked nature sets it apart from more common Royal Oak models, positioning it as a piece that highlights Audemars Piguet's technical prowess in movement decoration and design. The 18k yellow gold construction further emphasizes its premium status. While not a double-signed piece as mentioned in the collector's post, the 15305 stands on its own as a significant openworked Royal Oak.

Specifications

Caliber
3120
Case
18k Yellow Gold
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
GW
Gwai
Mar 27, 2021

(Instantly forgot the things I posted about AP marketing recently.) What an absolutely singular piece! Cheers Marc

PI
piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)
Mar 27, 2021

After those 3 gems, you come back with another rare pearl. This model, as well as the other beasts, are the true statement of Giulio Papi's craftsmanship and ability in designing complications. How smooth are the pushers? I guess you know the Datograph feeling (which is my benchmark), how would you compare to it? Thank you Simone

MI
MichaelC
Mar 27, 2021

I am squarely in the group that could never afford one, but I sure know and remember them. Congratulations, another whale at your dock!

OY
oyster case
Mar 27, 2021

Audemars Piguet is such a great brand with so many fantastic pieces, they have really captured my imagination, as they obviously have yours. Loving the passion!

TO
toowoundup
Mar 27, 2021

What a flex..... Looks incredible!

HA
Hackworth
Mar 27, 2021

Probably smoother than most 44mm offshores, but doesn't have the "bounce" that Schumacher Laptimer does

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