Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25770 Strap Change

MichaelC · 2013-10-24T08:13:33Z

Learn how to change the strap on an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25770, with a step-by-step guide and insights into case wear.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

11 replies6059 views10 photos

MichaelC provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on changing the strap of his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25770. This practical post offers valuable insights into the process, sharing tips and observations for fellow collectors interested in customizing their Offshore models. He also highlights the unique characteristics of the watch's construction.

I decided to try an old strap on my silver dial 25770 Offshore that I had not mounted before. The strap was used and came with one of my very first 25770 acquisitions. Based on when I bought the watch, the strap is likely 8 years old +/-. It is an original Audemars Piguet gator strap in a mustard color.

I have had a few emails and messages over the years asking about the strap attachment and change procedure on a 25770 case. I always recommend letting authorized Audemars Piguet points of sale handle such work, but if you have the right tools it is not so difficult.

Of course the first step is to remove whichever strap is on the watch. I have always found the velcro kevlar strap to be most unique, best looking, and most comfortable strap on the watch. So that is what I had to remove first.

Each strap side is secured with two small screws. Those screws center a bar that spans through the strap and extends slightly into each lug. After I remove the screws with the proper screwdriver, I just open up a paper clip and push the bar from one side until it slides out of the other side. It slides out easily.

So each side of the watch case has two screws and 1 bar.

You don't realize how heavy this hunk of steel is until you have removed the strap and hold it alone. Really an impressive mass. Next time I have it separated I'll see if I can throw it on a scale.

If you have never seen the caseback... pretty typical. One minor side effect of using the kevlar strap is that it can cause some minor scuffing and blemishes on the brushed caseback. Certainly this does not bother me. Some of it occurs over the stitching that holds the leather patch that the watch sits on (you can see that area a few photos up).

For attaching the new strap, you have to hold it against the case and then feed the bar through. This photo shows the bar partially inserted without the strap; the bar needs to be out of the way to align the strap and then gets pushed in.

Same thing here - you do not put the bar into the strap first, but I snapped this shot to show how little the bar will extend into each lug when properly centered.

AP makes a small block that helps center the bar correctly. I have changed straps on 25770s a good handful of times and I do not use it, and am not sure it is entirely necessary. Once everything is mounted, the screws that go into the lugs recess a little bit and are not flush. I always give a visual check to make sure the reveal is not noticeably different on either side, which would of course indicate that the bar is not properly centered.

And the finished result.

For these older AP straps I use the simple AP pin buckle. I have heard it criticized for being a bit dainty, but it does the job.

The combination is certainly unique here. I like it and will roll with it for the Fall season.

So that is all there is to changing the strap on a 25770 cased Royal Oak Offshore. Again, it is always advisable to have an authorized AP point of sale handle this sort of work, but if you are careful and have steady hands it is not too difficult.

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25770

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph reference 25770 represents a 42mm iteration within the Offshore Chronograph series. This reference was produced from 2002 to 2010, featuring a blue dial configuration that distinguishes it within the model range.

The 42mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 2226/2840 movement, providing a 50-hour power reserve. The watch features a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with water resistance rated to 100 meters. The blue dial is complemented by a rubber strap, maintaining the sporty aesthetic of the Offshore series.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a substantial chronograph with modern proportions and contemporary materials. The eight-year production run from 2002 to 2010 places it within the established era of the Offshore collection, while the blue dial variant offers a specific colorway option for enthusiasts of the series. The rubber strap configuration provides a casual alternative to metal bracelet variants.

Specifications

Caliber: 2226/2840

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 42 mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 100m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The kevlar strap, while unique and comfortable, can cause minor scuffing and blemishes on the brushed caseback of the 25770 due to constant contact and slight movement, though these marks are easily remedied during service.
Concerns exist about the long-term effects of frequent strap changes on the screw holes and threads of cases like the 25770, similar to those found on watches like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas.
Changing straps on an Offshore, especially a valuable piece like the End of Days, can be nerve-wracking but becomes easier with practice and concentration.
The 25770 Royal Oak Offshore is surprisingly heavy when held without its strap, underscoring its robust steel construction.
While Panerai strap changes are generally simpler, Offshore strap changes become straightforward once a collector learns the specific techniques and tricks.
The mustard-colored alligator strap creates a unique combination with the silver dial 25770, making the dial's luminescence stand out.

The Discussion

Ancienne Le Brassus

Oct 24, 2013

It makes the lum on the dial pop out a lot! Very nice and I think it suits it very well!! Thanks for posting this! S

respo

Oct 24, 2013

Thank you for the tutorial. Of course, I welcome any excuse to see that particular 25770. ;-) Interesting about the effects of the Kevlar on the caseback. That kind of thing does bother me, but I am fussy/borderline OCD. I was warned about the effects of nylon Nato straps on watch casebacks as well, and I have since sworn off of them. Leather is kinder. Do you know anything about the long term effects of changing the straps on cases like the one on your 25770 in terms of wear and tear on the scr

gavidev

Oct 24, 2013

I remember my first go at a 25770 strap change, Not Good! Great post and nice new combo. Best regards Victor Can't resist posting a "naked" 25770. They look so nice.

MichaelC

Oct 25, 2013

I'm glad you enjoyed it my Friend.

MichaelC

Oct 25, 2013

Regarding the caseback and wear it acquires from the kevlar strap. it is a bit surprising to me. On the one hand, you have this material in constant contact with the back. So if any little particles or debris gets stuck in there it is a source for rubbing. And the stitching that holds the leather pad in place bumps up just a bit. On the other hand, it is a soft leather, and the strap is strongly held in position. So how do those scuffs get there? Perhaps the normal wrist movements cause the watc

MichaelC

Oct 25, 2013

I'll admit...when I first changed the strap on a perfectly mint End of Days, I was nervous as heck! But you have to breathe, get rid of those "what if" thoughts and just concentrate. Best to you, Victor.

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25770 Strap Change

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25770

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

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