If you like blue dials, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Argentina in titanium ref. 26365IS.OO.D305CR.01 features what to us is one of the most beautiful blue dials AP has ever made. Along with its sibling the Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' in 18K rose gold ref. 26365OR.OO.D801CR.01 —reviewed by us here— also sporting the same blue dial, this watch is not only extremely rare limited edition but a very understated one. Aside of the titanium case, the other nuances between the titanium 'Pride of Argentina' and the 18K rose gold one are the number of pieces made —100 pieces for titanium with stainless steel bezel and 50 pieces for the 18K gold one—, the blue pushers vs. brown ones on the gold reference and the blue strap vs. the brown with blue contrast stitching on the gold model. See third picture below of the gold 'Pride of Argentina'.
The Dial
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' was released as a tribute to the Bicentenary of the 1810 May Revolution in Argentina. Produced in very limited numbers, the 'Pride of Argentina' is one of the most coveted limited editions released in the last decade.The blue dial on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' in Titanium is deep blue with applied satin brushed solid rose gold numerals and contrasting white hands, the 'Pride of Argentina' is for sure a stunning watch in the metal. The dial is a true chameleon that changes hues depending on the lighting conditions around you and even the applied rose gold numerals tend to look sometimes even silvery or whitish due to light refraction at certain angles.
The Case Back
Both models feature a case back especially engraved with the inscription “Pride of Argentina – 1810-2010 – Limited Edition” and with the 'Cabildo' building exceptionally executed. The box for these two limited edition watches is a true work of art itself and a reinterpretation of the Argentine flag. Hand-made by a local artisan using a traditional lacquer process, the wooden case is made of precious wood, meticulously lacquered and varnished with the national colors. Many attempts were necessary to match the exact pantone of the Argentine flag since many variations are encountered when using solid wood. The watch is powered by the Audemars Piguet automatic calibre 2326/2840 with 40-hour power reserve.
The 'Cabildo' is the public building in Buenos Aires, Argentina that was used as seat of the 'ayuntamiento' —municipality— during the colonial times and the government house of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and where the 1810 Revolution of May started. Today, the building is used as a museum and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Buenos Aires.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' in Titanium wears simply perfect and true to its size. While many would expect for the watch to be relatively light, the fact that the bezel is made of stainless steel makes this watch slightly heavier than the full titanium pieces and quite comfortable. The blue dial along with the 18K rose gold applied numerals make this watch simply stunning. If you like blue dials this is as special as it gets.
Last Known Sticker Price $35,000 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
