Hot on the heels of “Watches & Wonders 2023″, Audemars Piguet has announced their latest limited edition model, this time to mark the 30th birthday of the daring Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph. Taking direct inspiration from earlier examples and with links to action movies of the 90s, we find a specific color scheme and the use of some action materials.
ap roo 30th anniversary
Of course, those who grew up loving 90s action movies may recognize the black and yellow color scheme as a direct and intentional reference to the early Royal Oak Offshore, worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1999’s Armageddon. Based on the current Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, this limited edition (Ref. 26420CE) uses a 43mm black ceramic case that is 14.4mm thick and features titanium for the case back, pushers frame, and studs buy replica rolex watches.
While, yes, 30 years ago means 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore was not a one-hit wonder, and Arnold’s interest in wearing it in the movies played a role in establishing the model with the right audience. Of this, AP CEO Francois-Henry Bennahmais said, “In 1999, the Royal Oak Offshore Skyward Sword with Arnold Schwarzenegger began to put the collection in the wider public eye for the first time. For the 30th anniversary of the offshore collection, it was an obvious choice to pay tribute to this particular timepiece”.
ap roo 30th anniversary
Originally modeled as the 25770SN, known to many collectors and enthusiasts as the “End of Days” ROO, this new watch is equipped with Audemars Piguet’s 4401 automatic chronograph movement, which beats at 4 Hz and has a 70-hour power reserve. This 30th Anniversary Royal Oak Offshore is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and costs $60,300.
Our Thoughts
I think I feel roughly the same way about the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph as I do about 90’s action movies. Both are big, a bit over-the-top, hyper-masculine, and designed to combine a range of modern creative capabilities just to be exciting and fun. From that perspective, I think AP has nailed this 30th-anniversary edition.
AP ROO 30th Anniversary Edition
This buy replica watches is largely a known quantity, so its color, ceramic case, and pair of straps help it stand out. I like the black and yellow (more on the watch than on the car or clothes), and I think if Arnold was working on Doomsday today, he would go with the ceramic because it really fits the ROO vibe. Finally, the watch comes with two “textile effect” quick-change capable straps, one black with yellow stitching (see photo) and one yellow with black stitching. If you’re interested in the latter, I’ll be silently rooting for you.
This thoroughly modern Royal Oak Offshore combines the modern scope of the model with the special history of Hollywood, helping to solidify the Royal Oak’s idea of big and bold through the power of the silver screen.
