ED209 shares an exclusive look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Prototype Number 000, a piece with significant historical value for both AP and ThePuristS community. This article delves into the origins and unique characteristics of this early Offshore, offering a rare glimpse into a watch that helped define a new era for Audemars Piguet. ED209's detailed account and personal anecdotes make this a compelling read for enthusiasts interested in the genesis of the iconic Royal Oak Offshore.
To celebrate the 12th Anniversary of ThePuristS and the 20th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, I thought it would be fitting to share a few pics of the Royal Oak Offshore Prototype Number 000.
This special Offshore is in the private collection of a fellow PuristS and I had a unique opportunity to view the watch and spend some wrist time with it. The owner shared with me an interesting story about this Offshore; it was originally a prototype piece worn by AP’s Managing Director at the time, Stephen Urquhart, and when our fellow PuristS first saw it he was fascinated by the unique color and how awesome it was compared to other watches. He took it off Mr. Urquhart’s wrist and it has been in the PuristS collection since then. It is worn on a somewhat frequent basis and has the original movement, original finishing and even the original yellow leather strap with a stainless steel tang buckle. Interestingly enough the movement has never been serviced and runs very accurately. The chronograph function works well and still has a crisp feel when activating the pushers.
The AP Royal Oak Offshore was originally conceived in 1989 as a variation of the classic Royal Oak. It was aimed at a younger audience and the idea was to have a larger version with a visible water-tightness joint and a chronograph movement. The chronograph pushers and crown are coated in a proprietary rubber material to improve water resistance. It was also a technical challenge for the AP watchmakers to coat these small parts with the rubberized material. The Offshore was also very heavy with the steel version weighing in at a hefty 250gr, the gold version at 450gr and a massive 800gr for platinum.
The Offshore was not just about size, but also function. A key component in the design was anti-magnetism and the watch was fitted with special plates under the dial and on the caseback, along with a soft iron cage around the movement.
In 1992, the classic Royal Oak was celebrating it’s 20th anniversary so Audemars Piguet delayed the release of the Offshore until the following year. AP offered the first model in 1993 as the Royal Oak Offshore reference #25721.
The prototype Offshore case is slightly different from the standard Offshore where it does not have the two central links. I actually prefer this case style since it allows the strap to flex and conform to my small wrists. The regular Offshore models with the central links are stiffer and angles out the strap. The disadvantage of this is that a steel bracelet cannot be attached to this case version. These Offshore ‘Tutti Frutti’ models were offered in various colors as reference 25770.
This prototype Offshore has made it’s way around various PuristS events and GTG’s throughout the past few years. It even accompanied several PuristS for a trip to Taipei to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Taipei 101 Boutique. Shown here is the prototype along with one of the first production ‘Bumblebee’ Offshores with the forged carbon case and ceramic bezel.
And a few local SoCal GTG's:
And at another SoCal AP event, next to AP ROO Scuba Bartorelli:
Next to the magical Panerai 203 at another SoCal GTG:
Somebody really likes yellow and Gerald Genta designs! 
Hope you enjoyed these pics. Thanks to my fellow PuristS collector for showing this piece of AP history, and a big Congrats to AP on their 20th anniversary and success of the Offshore.
Regards,
ED-209
This message has been edited by ED209 on 2013-05-30 08:50:12 About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25721
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Reference 25721
The reference 25721 represents the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in its stainless steel configuration with black dial execution. This reference was produced from 1999 to 2008, positioning it as a core offering within the Offshore Chronograph series during this production period.
The 42mm stainless steel case features a fixed octagonal bezel and sapphire crystal, with 100-meter water resistance. The black dial houses chronograph functions powered by the automatic caliber 2226/2840 movement, which provides a 50-hour power reserve. The watch is fitted with a rubber strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in its fundamental steel and black dial combination. The nearly decade-long production run and rubber strap configuration make it representative of the series' sports-oriented positioning within the Audemars Piguet chronograph lineup.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 2226/2840
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
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
About the Panerai PAM00203 - Luminor 1950 8-Day Angelus Ref. PAM203
The PAM00203 represents Panerai's Luminor 1950 8-Day Angelus within the brand's steel-cased offerings. This reference carries the distinctive 8-Day Angelus designation that sets it apart from standard Luminor 1950 models in the catalog.
The watch features a 47mm steel case paired with a black dial. The substantial case diameter places this reference among Panerai's larger offerings, maintaining the proportions typical of the Luminor 1950 series architecture.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a sizeable steel Panerai with the specific 8-Day Angelus configuration. The 47mm case size and black dial combination provides a straightforward execution within the Luminor 1950 range, suitable for those prioritizing the technical aspects of the 8-Day designation over precious metal construction.
Specifications
- Case
- steel case
- Diameter
- 47mm
- Dial
- black dial
About the Panerai Ref. Luminor1950
The Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM00372 is a notable reference that captures the essence of Panerai's historical designs, particularly those from the mid-20th century. It is distinguished by its clean dial, lack of a date complication, and the use of a Plexiglas crystal, which is a nod to vintage Panerai watches. This model was introduced as a special edition, appealing to collectors who appreciate the brand's heritage aesthetic without modern embellishments. Its design emphasizes legibility and the robust character associated with the Luminor case.
The watch features a substantial 47mm case crafted from polished stainless steel, characteristic of the Luminor 1950 series. It houses the in-house P.3000 manual-winding mechanical movement, which provides a power reserve of three days, or 72 hours. The crystal is made of Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage appeal and offering a different visual quality compared to sapphire. The solid case back further reinforces its historical design inspiration.
This reference holds particular appeal for collectors seeking a direct link to Panerai's past. Its large case size and minimalist dial with a sandwich construction are defining features that resonate with enthusiasts of the brand's original tool watch ethos. The PAM00372 is considered a significant piece for those who value historical accuracy and the distinctive design language that defines Panerai's most recognizable models.
Specifications
- Caliber
- P.3000
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 47mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Plexiglas
