Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, 79290BA, Yellow Gold

Released in Baselworld in 1993, the first Royal Oak Offshore was a huge disruption to the landscape, taking an already controversial design for the period to its extreme. At 32mm in diameter, the piece is a rather ironic tribute to the original Royal Oak Overseas Offshore, given the fact that the original piece was a gargantuan watch nicknamed “The Beast”, and supposedly created to appeal to masculine sensibilities.

The size of this watch may correspond to the fact that it was originally retailed in Japan, where collectors tend to have more modestly sized wrists. Additionally, its case number is below 60, demonstrating the small numbers that this reference was made in, likely due to its more niche appeal. Seeing the exaggerated proportions of the Offshore in a much smaller format is both confusing and enjoyable in equal measure, making this a playful and unique watch to enjoy on the wrist. This juxtaposition is key to its appeal. An all-gold Royal Oak may seem like a bit of a paradox, and this holds especially true for the exaggerated, more angular proportions of the Royal Oak Offshore 79290BA. The navy dial makes use of the signature tapisserie pattern, with a golden date disc that matches the case and adds to its neo-vintage appeal. Further to this, the Gay Frères signature found on the clasp is another highly desirable aspect, representing the mark of a fabled bracelet maker of the 20th century who made the bracelets for the original Royal Oak and Nautilus.

This Royal Oak Offshore 79290BA features many of the archetypal elements found on the original Offshore, including the thicker, rounded links found on the bracelet, and the double-folding butterfly clasp. Notably, the crown is also wrapped in a rubber-like material called Therban, a high-performance elastomer that can resist very high temperatures. When viewed in combination with the yellow-gold case, we see that the piece successfully integrates utilitarian practicality within the trappings of casual luxury.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 79290BA will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Offshore is in excellent condition with almost no signs of wear. Though it may have been previously polished, it retains all of its original features, across the brushed and polished surfaces of the bezel, case and bracelet. The engravings are clearly defined on both the case and inside of the clasp, with minimal stretch to the original bracelet. The navy blue tapisserie dial is in immaculate condition, where the lumed hands and hour markers have aged to a warm hue matching the date disc.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.