The Beast Gets A Summer Makeover: Audemars Piguet Unveils Six New Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs

More than three decades after its debut in 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore remains arguably the most adventurous expression of Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak. Famously nicknamed "The Beast" upon launch, it shook up the world of luxury watchmaking with its oversized dimensions, visible rubber components and unapologetically bold design language. What was once considered radical has since become a defining pillar of the collection.

Just in time for summer, Audemars Piguet is injecting a fresh burst of colour into the Royal Oak Offshore family with six new Selfwinding Chronograph references. Divided into two trios in 42 mm and 37 mm sizes, these vibrant newcomers pair eye-catching aesthetics with the manufacture's latest generation of integrated chronograph movements. The larger models are powered by the Calibre 4404, while the smaller references introduce the recently launched Calibre 6401.
The 42 mm trio stays true to the Royal Oak Offshore's larger-than-life personality. Each model features the collection's signature Mega Tapisserie dial pattern, elevated by energetic accents in turquoise and yellow, pink, or orange. Rather than scattering colour throughout the watch, Audemars Piguet has focused it on the chronograph elements, using a single accent shade for the chronograph hands, tachymeter scale and start-stop pusher at 2 o'clock. The result is a cohesive and highly dynamic look.

Powering these models is the in-house Calibre 4404, first introduced in 2019 alongside the debut of the Code 11.59 collection. The integrated chronograph movement combines a column wheel with a vertical clutch architecture, ensuring smooth operation and precise engagement of the chronograph functions. Beating at 4 Hz, it delivers a healthy 70-hour power reserve.

The collection includes two stainless steel versions: one with a black dial accented in pink and another with a silver-toned dial highlighted by orange details. Completing the trio is a lightweight titanium model featuring a dark grey dial with striking yellow and turquoise accents. All three are paired with interchangeable calfskin straps featuring matching coloured stitching and are priced at CHF 33,600.
The 42 mm models measure 42 mm in diameter and 15.3 mm thick, with brushed and polished titanium or stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals on both sides, 100 metres of water resistance, luminous hands and markers, and interchangeable calfskin straps secured by pin buckles.

For those who prefer a more compact wrist presence, Audemars Piguet has also unveiled three colourful 37 mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs. Mounted on interchangeable rubber straps, these models retain all the attitude of their larger siblings while offering proportions that will appeal to a broader range of wrists.
The headline feature here is the debut of the new Calibre 6401 inside the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Introduced earlier this year, this integrated chronograph movement was developed specifically for smaller cases. It measures 27 mm in diameter and 5.7 mm thick, significantly more compact than the 32 mm Calibre 4404. Running at 4 Hz, it provides a power reserve of 55 hours.

Of course, this is not the first time Audemars Piguet has offered a 37 mm Offshore Chronograph. Previous versions relied on the Calibre AP 2385, itself derived from the renowned Frédéric Piguet 1185. However, the arrival of a fully in-house chronograph movement tailored to smaller dimensions feels like a natural evolution, particularly as demand for more compact watches continues to grow.

The first of the new 37 mm references comes in titanium with a vibrant turquoise Tapisserie dial and a clean bezel. The second also features a titanium case but adds a pink dial and a diamond-set steel bezel for extra sparkle. The most luxurious of the trio combines a pink gold case and diamond-set bezel with a soft light blue dial, creating a striking contrast between sportiness and elegance.

Each 37 mm model measures 11.5 mm thick and features a brushed and polished titanium or pink gold case, sapphire crystal front and back, luminous hands and markers, and 50 metres of water resistance. Prices are set at CHF 32,500 for the titanium version, CHF 36,300 for the titanium model with diamonds, and CHF 54,100 for the pink gold and diamond-set reference.

With these six colourful additions, Audemars Piguet proves that "The Beast" still knows how to have fun. Combining the bold character that made the Royal Oak Offshore famous with the brand's latest chronograph technology, the new collection arrives as the perfect companion for the warmer months ahead.