AP Royal Oak Offshore 42mm Grey & Black Dials

MichaelC · 2014-05-08T14:51:20Z

Explore Audemars Piguet's 2014 Royal Oak Offshore 42mm with grey and black dials. MichaelC reviews design, straps, and community insights.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

12 replies8258 views12 photos

MichaelC offers a detailed look at Audemars Piguet's 2014 Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection, specifically highlighting the grey and black dial variants. His initial preference for the discreet grey dial is explored, alongside an appreciation for the black dial with red accents. This post provides valuable insights into the aesthetic choices and design elements that define these robust chronographs.

Rounding out my personal look at Audemars Piguet's newest Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection timepieces, let's look at the new grey and black dial variants.

I must admit when, when I first learned about AP's Royal Oak Offshore 42mm collection, I was most interested in the grey dial. As a self proclaimed lover of all things grey, this dial looks plain awesome to me. But in a very discreet way.

Aside from the white chrono counter hands, this dial is all grey or black. I really like how the blackened shroud around the date window balances things out. The numerals look especially crisp on this model.

Manufacture Caliber 3126 and the exhibition caseback:

Needless to say, the black ceramic crown and pushers are most at home on this variant.

Audemars Piguet has also selected the perfect shade of grey for the strap on this watch. After all, there must have been 50 choices

Seriously though, it looks very good, and the black stitching continues the design theme.

Certainly, owners of this dial will have other great options to play with (RB2 strap, Survivor black rubber, etc.), but in the end the grey alligator is very special.

Last but not least in the new collection is the black dial with red accents. Any skepticism I had about this watch was completely removed when I handled it. My concern stemmed solely from the use of red on black, a combination AP has used repeatedly in recent years. And as the previous editions have not disappointed at all (with the forged carbon Alinghi Team Chronograph still my personal favorite), neither does this one.

I hesitate to write that the color red is discreet, but on this watch it really is a subdued accent. I think the red markings along the tach ring are just right, and thin enough to not be overpowering.

The chrono counter hands are all red, making this one quickly legible for reading elapsed time measurements.

As I have mentioned, you really need to handle the new collection up close to appreciate AP's wonderful finishing of the ceramic pushers and crown.

As with the other strap models, a pin buckle secures things. The extra width versus the older deployant style straps is readily noticeable. I think all owners will find comfort with this design, and the look is more befitting the hefty and impressive case.

The black hornback alligator strap with red stitching is really perfect. A slightly sinister look on this serious timepiece.

I believe these 2 models of the new 42mm collection will prove immensely popular for AP. Versatile, comfortable, and discreet (especially on that grey dial). After trying them on, I still have a preference for the grey dial, but the black dial presents the wearer with a bit more visual excitement.

Key Points from the Discussion

The updated 42mm Offshore models are a credible evolutionary revision, but a ceramic bezel would have further enhanced the design, especially for the grey and black dial variants.
While the grey dial is unique and appealing, the black dial with red accents offers better contrast, which is a significant factor for legibility, especially for those with aging eyesight.
AP might have plans for ceramic or cermet bezels on future 42mm Offshore models, potentially paired with cermet pushers and crowns, and stick markers.
Prior to the 2014 collection, AP released a 42mm Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition for Doha, featuring a titanium case and ceramic bezel, suggesting the possibility of ceramic bezels on other models.
The grey and blue versions of the 42mm Offshore are particularly appealing, with a strong inclination towards the grey dial.

The Discussion

foversta

May 8, 2014

The grey and blue versions get my vote. And I'm still thinking about the grey! Thanks for your post and pics. Fx

May 10, 2014

I have opined already that I think AP did a credible evolutionary revision of the iconic 42mm Offshore with these new introductions. Still, though, I find myself asking "what if," and specifically what if they had taken the ceramic elements one step further and added a ceramic bezel to go along with the ceramic pushers and crown? I think that would have capped off the model update in exceptional fashion, especially on the grey and black dial pieces you review here. It's well known, Michael, that

MichaelC

May 10, 2014

I will also look forward to your thoughts on the 44mm black ceramic / anthracite dial Offshore, which I will soon post on. With regards to the 42mm collection Royal Oak Offshores, I would opt for the Safari model first and the grey dial second.

MichaelC

May 10, 2014

BTW, I love your new "agent" like handle :-) I think others have wondered the same about the bezel. And it would not surprise me at all if AP already has this option planned in the pipeline. Perhaps in a year or two we will see a ceramic bezel or maybe even cermet offered on one of these standard collection 42mm Offshores. I could even see a cermet bezeled / titanium cased piece getting matching cermet pushers and crown... and having stick markers instead of numerals... on a black strap... hmmm.

mark1958a

May 10, 2014

I recently purchased a new ROO 42mm and was trying to decide between the black and grey dials. I really liked the grey one for the reasons you mention. I also think it is quite unique in terms of color. I went back and forth in trying to decide what to do. In the end, I went with the black dial. THe reason is two fold. I like the red accents but probably even more importantly--- My eyes are not what they used to be and I like dials with better contrast. This makes it possible for me to read the

mark1958a

May 10, 2014

There is one more point i wanted to make. Even though i like the red accents--- Setting the watch requires me to wear my reading glasses. I think the white accent is a bit better in that regard.

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AP Royal Oak Offshore 42mm Grey & Black Dials

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