The just-released Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26405CE in 44 mm is a watch that is definitely better appreciated in person and in live pictures than it is in stock images. Loved by many and hated by others, especially those that can’t even afford to buy one, the new Royal Oak Offshore 44 in black ceramic is available in three different bezel/pusher combinations. While our favorite is the one fitted with a rose gold bezel, the green bezel reference 26405CE.OO.A056CA.01 is also a close contender. Even though the blue bezel reference 26405CE.OO.A030CA.01 is our least favorite, we do have to say that in person the watch is much nicer than what we were expecting and the black and blue combo works quite well.

About the Watch

After seeing some mediocre live pictures leaked across different 'watch fora' before the official launch of the watch, as usual we decided to save our opinion and comments until we perused the watches in person. When it comes to the dials, we love that AP continues to push out more smoked dials that offer so much more depth and an interesting visual effect that adds in a very positive way to the Méga tapisserie. While the smoked effect is more noticeable in the blue and grey dial references, it is still present and noticeable on the green dial model.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44 Ceramic is in all the sense of the word a true Offshore. While we initially felt unsure about the new numerals —not loved by many— that have been added to the dial, in person the font is rather pleasing.

Under natural light and even under artificial light, we can confidently say that the shade of green shown by AP's stock images is a tad brighter than what our eyes were able to see in person. The shade of green is exactly the same as the one on the Royal Oak Offshore ‘Combat’ released in 2018 and along with the satin-brushed black ceramic case, it works very well.

When it comes to the green or the blue ceramic bezels and pushers, these are true chameleons that emit different hues and shades depending on the lighting conditions and the way one moves the watch in different directions. The pictures below, show very different hues depending on the angle at which the picture was taken, particularly when it comes to the side shot of the bezel, crown, and pushers. A touch that we absolutely love on the green model are the rose gold elements on the dial and crown. For these two models, the push-piece guards and case backs are executed in titanium. Because of the lightness of the ceramic and the titanium, the watches weight 149.1 grams including the strap and titanium buckle.

And the one element that doesn't change at all, regardless of the lighting conditions is the new textured rubber strap. These new textured rubber straps have a nice firm texture very much like that on the other Royal Oak Offshore straps.

As far as the movement, the new Royal Oak Offshore 44 Ceramic ref. 26405CE are still powered by the modular calibre 3126/3840 based off of the AP calibre 3120. Composed of 365 parts and 59 jewels, the movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The watches are fitted with the traditional display case backs that allow for a full view of the movement and the watches are water-resistant to 100 meters. 

On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44 Blue Dial ref. 26405CE.OO.A030CA.01 and the Royal Oak Offshore 44 Green Dial ref. 26405CE.OO.A056CA.01 wear true to their size and with the great sporty wrist presence that characterizes the Offshore line. True chameleons depending on lighting conditions. Full hands-on review of the model with rose gold bezel to follow separately.

Sticker Price $34,900 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.