More challenging to find than finding a needle in a haystack, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rodeo Drive Limited Edition ref. 26060ST.OO.D017CR.01 was released on May 16, 2005 as a tribute to the opening of Westime's —AP authorized dealer in Los Angeles— second location on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This watch, also marks the second limited edition ever created in honor of an AP authorized dealer. After the successful release in 2004 of ref. 26034TS to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sincer Watch in Singapore, the Rodeo Drive was released in a 50-piece limited edition that quickly sold out. Exclusively sold at Westime's main store at the Westside Pavilion on West Pico Boulevard and the Rodeo Drive location, the Royal Oak Offshore Rodeo Drive brings that California vibe with its stainless steel case, white dial, navy blue chrono hands, sky blue Arabic numerals and light blue alligator strap. Featured here on a white rubber strap, the AP Royal Oak Offshore Rodeo Drive is perfectly suited for the summer whether you are partying in Cali, Miami or Saint-Tropez.
Recognized by watch collectors and even by François-Henry Bennahmias —President of Audemars Piguet— as one of the five best luxury watch stores in the world, Westime has been crucial in the success of Audemars Piguet in the U.S. and has ranked as the number one AP retailer for many years. Additionally, Westime operates several Audemars Piguet Boutiques including the AP Las Vegas Boutique located at the Shops at Crystals.
One thing that makes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rodeo Drive Limited Edition more special than other Royal Oak Offshores is the quality of the lume. If you are a lume lover like we are, there's no other Offshore out there that can compete with the lume on the Rodeo Drive.
Powered by the calibre 2326/2840 the watch didn't feature the antireflective coating on the date aperture loupe that came out in the late F-series. This special watch was fitted with a solid case back engraved with "Rodeo Drive" in the center, "Royal Oak Offshore" around the top and "Limited Edition" around the bottom. Now, one thing that we really dislike about this limited edition and a few other editions created by AP for special authorized dealers is that the case back only bears the consecutive AP production serial number with the letter prefix but no information regarding the limitation of the watch as in "XX/50".
On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rodeo Drive Limited Edition is one of the coolest APs out there and one that would look simply perfect under the California sun as one is driving down Rodeo Drive on a white Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé. Back in 2005, this watch retailed for $22,900 USD and was delivered in a white lacquered box with sky blue AP logo and cream colored leather interior.
Last Known Sticker Price $22,900 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
