The Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Limited Edition ref. 26290 is a serious collector's grail. This Forged Carbon beauty is definitely one that will make a statement anywhere you wear it. Dressed up or dressed down, those who know will recognize it immediately.
Audemars Piguet has always been in the forefront when it comes to using materials that are rarely used by other watchmaking companies. Audemars Piguet started using these type of materials long before any other watchmaking company would do so back in the 1980's with the introduction of Tantalum and Rose Gold watches. Today, Audemars Piguet makes a statement with Forged Carbon and Ceramic.
The Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix embodies the powerful ties between watchmaking and automobiles. The same passion for design and the same incessant quest for mechanical performance. The sub-dials evoke dashboard instruments, the crown a gear, and the bezel a ventilated brake disc. Issued in limited edition series featuring meticulously executed details & cutting-edge materials. Whether viewed from the front, the side, or through the sapphire crystal back, all angles provide the same clear-cut impression of dynamic, aggressive, taut and complex shapes that are undeniably reminiscent of gleaming automobile bodywork.
This watch is so light that sometimes one can forget it is on the wrist. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is just at another level. This watch shows very clearly why Audemars Piguet is considered one of the three companies that conform the 'Holy Trinity of Watchmaking'. It is also well known by collectors and watch enthusiasts that forged carbon cases never look the same. All Forged Carbon pieces have their own unique character and finish, typical of handmade goods. The Grand Prix Limited Edition is available in Rose Gold and Forged Carbon in limited quantities of 650 and 1750 respectively.
This watch comes with a case made out of forged carbon fibers and a bezel made of forged carbon and black ceramic with eight titanium hex-head screws fastening the bezel to the case as well as the case back. The Grand Prix houses an Audemars Piguet Caliber 3126/3840, composed of 365 parts and a power reserve of 60 hours.
The strap on the Grand Prix is one of the most unique looking Audemars Piguet straps out there. Black calfskin and red alcantara, hand-sewn with red alcantara inserts and edges. Comfortable and beautiful at the same time. This strap exudes class.
The crown is made of blackened titanium with the AP logo in red, the chronograph pushers are made of titanium and black ceramic and comes with a sapphire crystal display case back. The plots that connect the case to the strap are made of titanium just like the tang buckle on the strap. The dial evokes different parts of auto super machines. The bronze flange is reminiscent of the magnesium alloy wheels on a race car. Running seconds at 12 o 'clock, 30-minute register at 9 o'clock and 12-hour register at 12 o'clock.
All in all, this is a wonderful reference suited for every day wear and one that will make a statement wherever you go.
Sticker Price $45,000 USD. For more info click here.
