By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
To commemorate its 2009 sponsorship of the Gstaad Classic rally, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has announced a thematic limited edition variation of its supremely popular Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph. This 42mm titanium model is distinguished from other Offshore timepieces by a number of distinctive details, the most obvious of which is the upper chronograph pushpiece in red rubber, and a perforated leather strap with contrasting red stitching. An engraving on the caseback displaying the words "Gstaad Classic 2009" commemorates the scenic journey undertaken by pre-1976 collectors vehicles through the rugged Bernese Alps.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Gstaad Classic 2009 Limited Edition watch presents a number of details which are essential to the identity of the Offshore Chronograph. Among these is the famous octagonal bezel originally seen on the Royal Oak wristwatch from 1972, in this version encased in rubber to highlight the signature hexagonal screws. A signature Mega Tapestry motif decorates the red-accented dial, which presents contrasting black subdials, luminous Arabic hour markers, and a tachymeter scale on the rehaut. The baton-shaped hour and minute hands are crafted from white gold, and have an application of luminous material to enhance legibility in poor light conditions.
The hexagonal crown is sheathed in rubber, and screws down against the case, and helps to assure water resistance to 100 meters. Beating beneath the titanium caseback of this special edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is the self-winding AP 2326/2840 caliber, whose technical features include a balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and 38 hours of power reserve. The chronograph function offers central chronograph seconds, in addition to counters for minutes (up to 30) and hours (up to 12). The caliber also offers a date function, which can be rapidly advanced via the winding crown. Cotes de Geneve patterns adorn the bridges, edges are finely chamfered, and the plates feature circular graining decoration. A 21K gold mass on the edge of the rotor contributes to efficient winding when the watch is worn.
Audemars Piguet will produce 50 examples of the Royal Oak Offshore Gstaad Classic 2009 Limited Edition watch, each bearing its individual number in the series. A titanium deployant clasp shaped in the form of the Audemars Piguet initials securely joins the timepiece to its owner.
More about Audemars Piguet:
Audemars Piguet brand & timepiece collections
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore mens watches
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ladies watches
Audemars Piguet product blogs
Audemars Piguet news