MichaelC provides an in-depth look at Audemars Piguet's new 42mm Royal Oak Offshore pink gold models, introduced at SIHH 2014. His review focuses on the aesthetic and tactile experience of these substantial timepieces, available on both alligator strap and matching pink gold bracelet. This article explores the design choices, including the new ceramic components and the nuanced dial color, and gathers community reactions.
Continuing on with my recent handling of Audemars Piguet's newest 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection, let's take a closer look at the pink gold references. Introduced a few months ago at SIHH 2014 in Geneva, there are 2 new pink gold cased models, one offered on a alligator strap and one on a matching pink gold bracelet.
The reference number for the alligator strap model is 26470OR.OO.A002CR.01. As these watches were actual production pieces, please excuse the plastic wrap, which makes our images a bit reflective but importantly assures that the piece will remain perfectly clean.
Of course, the heft of a gold watch of this size (42mm) is immediately apparent when you handle it. For those who like their watches heavy, this piece will not disappoint! The good news is the rigid alligator strap handles the head without issue.
The painted metal dial is a similar color to the pink gold case. Black subdials, inner tach ring, numerals, and filled hands really make this a sporty offering.
Overall, I was a little surprised that the watch did not seem too flashy in person. Is it possible for an all gold cased and bezeled watch to be discrete? Maybe not, but the truth is that the black accents go a ways in subduing the flash.
Standard on the new Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection, as we have discussed, are new black ceramic crown and pushers.
The black alligator strap has gold toned stitching. No horns on this strap, but a very nice large square scale pattern. The strap itself is pliable, but plenty rigid side to side, meaning that on the wrist the heavy head is held securely in place. The strap is fastened with a pink gold pin buckle.
AP's manufacture caliber 3126/3840 is again the engine of choice. The exhibition back on the model does reduce the weight a bit over previous gold Offshores that had the solid caseback.
A convincing watch, without question. I might have one hesitation on both of the new pink gold models though. As a designer, I have always had an issue when trying to match colors on projects. For my tastes, when trying to match one material and or color, the second should be a perfect or near perfect match. In the case of these new pink gold Offshores, the dial color is very similar to the case color, but still a readily different shade. In this regard, I might have preferred it to be even more different - perhaps even in greyscale. Or, I wonder if the dial itself could be stamped in the same pink gold to ensure a perfect match. That option would certainly drive the cost way up, and would be a prohibitive decision for any manufacturer. Don't get me wrong - it looks quite nice as is, but let's just say that I would be interested in seeing the exact watch executed with a greyscale dial.
Moving on, the full pink gold bracelet model is reference number 26470OR.OO.1000OR.01. AP refers to the outgoing model as "The Pounder", and the new version is not exactly lean! Again, the exhibition caseback reduces a small amount of weight, but it is negligible on such a heavy watch.
On this model, I do like the idea of the matching gold dial. The black accents are highly accentuated. It is bold and daring, hallmarks of the Manufacture Audemars Piguet.
The clasp is really a thing of beauty. Older Royal Oak Offshore bracelets had a different design with a snapping cover. I much preferred this double folding deployant clasp.
The bracelet links are very thick, and perfectly finished.
I have always admired AP's craftsmanship in case finishing on their colored gold models. The brush strokes and polished areas really come to life with the colored metal.
I have no doubts these new pink gold Royal Oak Offshores will be big hits for AP. In fact, during my roughly 2 hour visit to the boutique, one of the full bracelet models was sold. Wearing a colored gold watch is not something I am presently used to, let alone one of this size. But there is no denying how impressive these pieces are in person.
