Watch Review| Audemars Piguet

The 2010 SIHH was the setting for the launch of Audemars Piguet latest incarnation of their most iconic collection ,the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix. A collection of three distinct models which embody the same passion for design and the same incessant quest for mechanical superiority in the analogous worlds of watchmaking and high octane automobile racing. This timepiece combines together a rare materials,contrasting textures and highly technical shapes to form a stunning object, weather viewed from front ,sides or through the sapphire crystal caseback, all the angles impart a clear cut impression of dynamic aggresiveness.

For the engine of the Grand Prix , the company modified its caliber 3126 with the 3840 chronograph to create an integrated mechanism that offers a high level of precision. An important factor contributing to the movement's consistancy is its resistance to shocks and knocks. The robust design is achieved , in part , by a cross - through balance bridge and variable inertia balance equipped with eight inertia blocks. The crystal caseback shows beneath the Grand Prix's hood ,revealing the attention to details on the movement by Audemars Piguet dedicated artisans. To illustrate the point, the edge of the bridges are chamfered and polished to gleaming perfection while the top ad bottom are covered with Cotes de Geneve. The most noticable detail is the 22 - karat gold rotor. Exclusive to this limited edition, the special oscillating weight is partially blackened and hollowed to reinforced the watch's scoop leitmotif.

According to the brand, the forged carbon ,which uses exclusive technology to create parts of the case, including the bezel, is created by compressing carbon filaments at high temperatures. The result is a bezel that is exceptionally hard yet ultra light. In fact , the forged carbon version of the watch weights just 120 grams.

(Ref. 26290PO.OO.A001VE.01)

The ultra - rare Platinum version fo the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix is released in a limited edition of 75 pieces. Along with the blue dial , the design features a splash of red on the techymeter scale and 30 minute counter. Powered by Audemars Piguet chronograph movement, which combines reliable accuracy , beautiful hand finishing and a 60 hour power reserve.

(Ref. 26290RO.OO.A001VE.01)

Only 650 pieces will be produced with the case , crown and chronograph pushers in rose gold. The black dial includes a small seconds at 12:00 along with the 30 minutes and 12 hours chronograph counters at 9:00 and 6:00 ,respectively.

(Ref. 26290IO.OO.A001VE.01)

The Bezel and 44mm case of this Royal Oak Offshore Gran Prix are made of forged carbon ,a lightweight and sturdy materials developed exclusively by Audemars Piguet. The bronze - colored tachymeter flange is reminiscent of a racecar's magnesium - alloy rims. The red eloxed aluminum dial presents a "negative printed" variation of the Mega Tapisserie motif common among Audemars Piguet other Royal Oak Offshore models. Only 1,750 pieces will be produced.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Collection specification

Movement:

AP 3126/3840, automatic, 59 jewels, 365 parts, 21,600 vph, 7.16 mm high, 26 mm in diameter

Complications:

Date, chronograph

Power reserve:

60 hours

Case material:

Platinum 950 (Ref. 26290PO.OO.A001VE.01) Rose gold (Ref. 26290RO.OO.A001VE.01) or Forged carbon fiber (Ref. 26290IO.OO.A001VE.01)

Bezel material:

Black ceramic and Forged Carbon

Case shape:

Round, Octagonal bezel

Transparent case back:

Yes, sapphire caseback

Case size:

44.0 mm

Case height:

15.65 mm

Dial:

Electric blue (Ref. 26290PO.OO.A001VE.01) Black (Ref. 26290RO.OO.A001VE.01) or Bright red (Ref. 26290IO.OO.A001VE.01)

Strap:

Black calfskin and alcantara, hand-sewn with alcantara inserts and edges, pin buckle in beadblasted titanium, or 18-carat pink gold or 950 platinum

Crystal:

Sapphire, anti-reflection coated

Water resistance:

100 meters