From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight On: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
and Royal Oak Offshore, and the famous people who wear them.
Almost fifty years since it was introduced, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak remains one of the
most recognizable and coveted watches ever.
Bridging the luxury and sport watch category, together with the durable stainless steel,
it paved the way for the luxury sport watch as we know it today.
At present, the Royal Oak and its sporty offshoot, the Royal Oak Offshore, have hundreds if
not thousands of versions - from classic steel models, to diamond embellished and ultra complicated
styles.
Not sure which one to choose? Take your cue from the stars, athletes and luminaries who
love the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore.
Like the original Royal Oak, the most classic model comes in stainless steel and a thin
39mm case size.
Available in greyish-black, blue, and silver dials, the monochromatic metal pairs well
with just about anything, from casual wear, to tuxedos.
We've spotted Neil Patrick Harris, James Corden, and Justin Bieber sporting this versatile
timepiece.
Over the years, Audemars Piguet has offered the Royal Oak in gold, and in larger 41mm
cases, while still keeping the proportions of the classic model.
One of the most popular versions is the rose gold, blue dial model.
Aside from the 41 millimeter case, the rose gold construction, dark blue dial, and the
double hash mark at 12 o'clock give this model a more modern feel.
We've spotted NBA superstar Steph Curry, actor Justin Theroux, and actor-wrestler Dwayne
"The Rock" Johnson sporting this piece.
If you want a showstopping Royal Oak, go for a solid gold piece. While designer Gerald
Genta really intended for the Royal Oak to be a steel luxury sports watch, the company
treated fans to a lot of gold in the 2010s.
Singers John Legend is a fan of solid gold Royal Oaks and Royal Oak chronographs. One
can choose between a midsized 37 millimeter case or the more up to date 41 millimeter
watch.
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Still within the Royal Oak family, the Royal Oak Chronograph is very much in line with
the classic model, but this time with the added style and complication of a chronograph.
It features three subdials - 60 second, 30 minute and 12 hour, as well as vertical pushers
to start and stop the time.
A dressier sports chronograph, it comes in steel and various precious metals.
In 2017, these were also introduced in frosted white gold, a distinct hammered finish that
interacts with light in the way that diamond dust does. Here we see Dwayne “The Rock”
Johnson rocking the ultra luxe timepiece.
In 1993, Audemars Piguet set out to expand their market to sports enthusiasts and younger
watch aficionados with a bigger, bolder version of the Royal Oak - the Royal Oak Offshore.
Decidedly sporty and masculine, it's slightly larger at 42 millimeters, has a thicker case,
and has rubber-clad crowns and pushers.
Its dials also feature larger squares called Mega Tapisserie pattern, versus Royal Oak’s
smaller Grande Tapisserie dial.
We’ve seen actor Denzel Washington sporting it ; while comedian Kevin Hart, as well as
many hip-hop artists, are considered fans of the Royal Oak Offshore.
In 2012, the Offshore line expanded to include the Offshore Diver -- another evolution in
the Royal Oak's line-up, as the first in the collection to be made for use underwater.
The Offshore Diver has the bells and whistles of a dive watch - a unidirectional bezel with
a diving scale, plus luminous hour markers - without losing its luxury sport appeal.
Champion Tennis player Novak Djokovic is fan, and so is singer John Mayer.
If there are classic and sporty Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models, there are also
ultra complicated editions – such as perpetual calendars, or tourbillons, which show off
the inner workings of the watch.
Rapper and producer Jay-Z is one of the greatest advocates of the brand in the music scene,
and has an extensive collection of more complicated Royal Oak and Offshore watches.
Jay-Z even collaborated with the brand, creating a limited edition design in 2005, to commemorate
his 10th year in the entertainment industry.
It’s clear why the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore are embraced by trailblazers in music,
fashion and sports.
Which watch was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
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