Guess how high has Audemars Piguet’s revenue reached?
Around 937 million U.S. dollars in 2016. [Source: Statistia, 2016]
This actually reflects strong demand and a stronger brand position.
AP popped up around 150 years back. Interestingly, their initial timepieces didn’t earn them much recognition. It’s the Royal Oak that made waves in the 1970s.
The original piece had a slimmer look, distinct features, and simplicity– something the 70s mature audience wanted. They were more into classy and luxurious watches. AP gave them that.
Then time passed by and Royal Oak stopped at around 6000 units.
To beat their creations, AP arrived again in the 1990s with Royal Oak Offshore. This time, the brand wanted to target a younger audience.
Thus, it had some essence of the previous eras but several unique mechanisms and looks. With a beefier design and complications– it hit the 90s young people and athletes.
Although Offshore is a newer version of AP Royal Oak, both are different. You already know the key differences. How about we add more?
Key Takeaways
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A Brief History of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore
The Creation of the Royal Oak
Audemars Piguet was done with regular delicacies. They wanted to surprise people with something royal. The first thing AP did was– collaborate with the young designer Gérald Charles Genta.
Genta was already famous for his designs for Universal Genève and Omega.
So, one fine afternoon, AP’s managing director, Georges Golay rang him up. Here’s what he said,
“Mr. Genta, I need a steel-made sports watch that has never been done before. It has to be something totally new and waterproof.”
“I need the design sketch for tomorrow morning” – he added.
This happened the night before the annual Swiss Watch Show (later known as “Basel World”).
As he recalled in an interview–
“The idea was to replicate a deep-sea diver’s helmet on the watch case. With the eight screws and the joint visible on the case’s exterior.”
The deadline was tight but Genta understood the assignment. He prepared the sketch overnight and got the green light straight away.
The designer completed the prototype design within a year
Then in 1972, AP introduced Royal Oak at the Basel Fair— to the industry.
Its features grabbed the attention of watch collectors and high-profile individuals instantly. 5 of them worked here to win them over–
- Sturdy steel material
- Waterproof
- Octagonal bezel
- Exposed screws mimicking the helmet
- Tapisserie dial
They produced around 6,050 original Royal Oaks 5402ST till 2002. Then, Audemars Piguet discontinued the model.
The Birth of the Royal Oak Offshore
Audemars Piguet wanted to make headlines again with something new during the 1990s. So Royal Oak Offshore happened.
Although a revamp, it actually takes inspiration from the 1980s era.
The 80s were a time of– economic growth, deregulation, and geopolitical tensions. So, the Offshore emerged to symbolize the— pursuit of freedom, speed, power, and comfort.
AP collaborated with the 22-year-old designer, Emmanuel Gueit for that.
He wanted to create a large and thick wristwatch to withstand intense sports activities. The idea was unique at that time.
It was 1993. Emmanuel Gueit designed the Offshore and AP brought it to the market. The timepiece immediately became a favorite among the youth and sports people. It earned the title “Beast”.
AP Royal Oak Offshore had distinct features like–
- Bolder and more rugged
- Thicker
- Bigger
- Méga Tapisserie pattern
- Customization
Around 7308 Offshores were made, which broke the record of the original.
Royal Oak Vs. Royal Oak Offshore: Design
Case Size and Material
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Case Size |
33mm - 41mm |
42mm - 48mm |
|
Material |
Stainless steel, gold |
Stainless steel, titanium, gold, ceramic, carbon |
|
Design |
Slim, elegant |
Bold, rugged |
The case size is one of the first noticeable differences.
Royal Oak comes in sizes ranging from 33mm to 41mm whereas Offshore’s one falls in between 42mm and 48mm.
The original one boasts a slimmer and more streamlined profile than the other. This is what helped catch people’s attention. Most of the 1970s audience preferred a refined and elegant timepiece. Audemars Piguet fulfilled that with the original Royal Oak.
Contrariwise, the Offshore is bigger, thicker, and more aggressive— just like the beast. It created a separate fanbase among the younger bunch and people associated with sports. Gigantic wristwatches were a new thing during the 1990s. It’s a unique idea that worked.
You’ll find the materials different too.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is available in two materials— stainless steel and goal. Meanwhile, the Royal Oak Offshore uses a broad range of materials— stainless steel, titanium, gold, carbon, and ceramic.
Although both are extremely durable– the latter feels studier than the original because of its size and bulkiness.
Only one thing is similar— the premium quality of each material.
Dial Features
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Dial Pattern |
Small Tapisserie |
Mega Tapisserie |
|
Hands and Indices |
Simple, refined |
Bold, often with sub-dials |
|
Complications |
Minimal |
Chronograph functions |
Both collections carry the signature “Tapisserie” dial but the differences lie in their pattern.
Your Royal Oak owns a smaller Tapisserie pattern while the Offshore sports a bigger one.
The subtle pattern of the original gives it a more refined look than its counterpart.
Royal Oak also features simpler hands and indices. Plus, the dials don’t feel uncluttered. This makes it preferable among many audiences like– young adults, senior citizens, and the ones with OCD.
Royal Oak Offshore comes with a Mega Tapisserie pattern. It gives you an extra visual appeal.
Most newer models have extra complications like chronograph sub-dials. Such features make the Offshore visually complex. However, they add functionality and sporty essence to the timepiece. This ends up attracting the younger ones, sports enthusiasts, and athletes.
Bezel Design and Durability
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Thickness |
Slim, elegant |
Thick, rugged |
|
Material |
Steel, gold |
Steel, ceramic, rubber |
The octagonal bezel is a signature of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collections. You’ll find it in both lines.
However, their thickness and materials make them different from one another.
For instance–
The bezel is way slimmer in the original Royal Oak than its counterpart. It’s made of steel and gold mostly.
Although the wristwatch is quite durable, it’s more suitable for occasional events or luxury wear.
However, with Royal Oak Offshore, it’s different. The bezel is thick and rugged matching the bulky look.
It comes in materials like steel, ceramic, and rubber that feel solid. Since this bezel is stronger and highly scratch-resistant, you can wear the watch heavily. Moreover, the Offshore can withstand both abuse and harsh elements.
Strap and Bracelet Options
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Material Options |
Stainless steel, gold |
Rubber, leather, ceramic |
|
Aesthetic |
Elegant, classic |
Sporty, adventurous |
Royal Oak has the most traditional look– with its metal bracelets. Some are stainless steel, some are gold. It looks elegant and classic which intrigues adults and senior citizens mostly.
Meanwhile, Royal Oak Offshore gives a youth vibe. You may find the straps in rubber, leather, or ceramic. Such materials add a sporty and adventurous look which most youths love.
Royal Oak Vs. Royal Oak Offshore: Feature Performance
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Movements |
Caliber 2121 |
Caliber 3126/3840 |
|
Complications |
Perpetual calendar, Tourbillon |
Chronograph, enhanced water resistance |
Movements
Royal Oak movements differ from the Offshore ones in Caliber thickness.
The original has the thinnest movement with around 3mm while the newer line is slightly thick— up to 7mm.
With the first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, you get high-quality in-house calibers.
5402ST line uses an automatic mechanism i.e. Caliber 2121 that powers the watch. Coming in just 3.05mm, it’s the world’s thinnest self-winding movement by Audemars Piguet.
Royal Oak’s movement works through your wrist motion.
This means when you move your wrist, a small weight inside the wristwatch spins and winds the mainspring. The mainspring then slowly releases the energy. This powers the hands to move and tell you accurate time.
Caliber 2121’s ultra-slim profile helps the watch maintain its sleek look.
The best part is that— despite being thin, it easily supports other mechanisms and complications.
Just like the original, Offshore has an automatic, self-winding mechanism.
The difference is you’ll find piggybank movement. This means there’s a base Caliber 3126 with a chronograph module 3840 on top.
The mechanism is 7.16mm thick and it’s valid. Caliber 3126/3840 is a more robust movement. Such thickness works to help support the extra complications like a chronograph.
So, you’ll find it very suitable for bulkier Offshore models and durable for heavy use.
The thickness of both Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore movement might be different. However, you’ll find their time accuracy the same.
Complications and Performance
Both the collections have key differences in complications too.
The original has simple functions while the newer version carries more complicated mechanisms.
That’s why its target audience is different. Although the two are sports watches, mature people prefer Royal Oak and younger ones prefer Offshore.
Royal Oak features—
Automatically adjusts for leap years and months with varying days. Plus, it shows the day, date, month, moon phase, and week of the year.
Tourbillion rotates the balance wheel, balance spring, and escapement. This helps reduce the effects of gravity to enhance the precision of the time and movement.
There’s a unique, small waffle-like pattern on the dial— giving it a different look.
Some models have skeletonized dials. It displays the intricate inner workings of the movement.
Royal Oak Offshore features—
A stopwatch function in the watch to give you precise timekeeping. There are 3 sub-dials in the Offshore.
The watch can withstand pressure up to 100 meters. So, you can use it for water sports activities like swimming, snorkeling, and racing.
The waffle-like pattern on the dial is bigger and looks more eye-catching.
The watches have a dual time function called GMT that lets you track two time zones simultaneously. It’s quite useful for travelers.
Offshore also carries some functions of the original ones like Perpetual Calenders and Tourbillion.
Royal Oak Vs. Royal Oak Offshore: Target Audience and Lifestyle Fit
|
Feature |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Typical Wearer |
Luxury enthusiasts, mature audience |
Athletes, adventurers |
|
Lifestyle Fit |
Formal, elegant casual |
Sporty, active |
Who Should Wear the Royal Oak?
Perfect for anyone who appreciates luxury, elegance, and tradition.
Its slim profile attracts a mature group and female people. The simplicity makes it preferable among older people.
The common wearers and target audience are—
|
Wearer |
Focus |
|
Business executives |
Elegant style and thin profile |
|
Collectors |
History, craftsmanship, and pioneering role in elegance |
|
Art and fashion connoisseurs |
Craftsmanship and aesthetic value |
|
Senior citizens |
Simple functions and uncluttered dial |
|
Females |
Slim profile |
|
Adults |
Elegance and simple functions |
|
People with OCD and clutter-anxiety |
Simple functions and uncluttered dial |
Who Should Wear the Royal Oak Offshore?
Best for those who want something sporty– something that can withstand abuse.
It has a beast look and traits that draw the attention of younger and sports audiences mostly. Plus, its gigantic size makes it perfect for daily wear. So, anyone can use it.
The common wearers and target audience are—
|
Wearer |
Focus |
|
Sports enthusiasts |
Big size and thickness= More durability |
|
Athletes |
Added durability |
|
Public figures |
Style-statement |
|
Adventurers and travelers |
Highly resistant to harsh conditions |
|
Casual wearer |
Sporty and fun look |
|
Younger audience |
Visual appeal and unique complications |
|
Tech-savvy group |
Intricate and complex features |
|
Collectors |
History and pioneering role in huge size |
Royal Oak Vs. Royal Oak Offshore: Pricing and Market Value
Price Range of Royal Oak Models
The original Royal Oak was commercialized at 3,300 Swiss Francs (i.e. $3,892 back then). This was costlier than Rolex Submariner and Patek Philippe Calatrava.
Because it’s discontinued, you’ll find pre-owned models now.
The vintage and limited editions sell for around sold for CHF 2,107,000 at auction. It’s roughly $2,130,767. This is the price for the first 1000 units.
It has to be this much valuable given the history and pioneering role the watch has. Surprisingly– the original Royal Oak is highly sought after too.
However, some later original units have different price ranges. It can start from $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the conditions. Some limited editions like the yellow gold can go over $300,000 in the resale market.
- Original Retail Price (1972): Around $4,000
- Current Market Value: $100,000 to over $2,200,000
Vintage Royal Oaks are rare. Collectors would even love to pay higher than the original price.
Because of its history and exclusivity, its value has increased by up to 10 to 15% annually over the years.
Price Range of Royal Oak Offshore Models
The cost of the initial Royal Oak Offshore models was 16,600 Swiss Francs. It’s around $20,000– five times the price of the original.
The good news is that Audemars Piguet still releases Royal Oak Offshore. You’ll find different variants of the Offshore series. Each wears different price tags.
The prices start at $25,000 and go up to $350,000 or more. It all depends on materials, complications, and exclusivity. For instance–
- Original Retail Price (1993): Around $20,000
- Stainless Steel Models: $30,000+
- Ceramic or Titanium Models: $40,000 to $50,000+
- Offshore Limited Editions: $70,000+
A super popular limited edition appeared in 1999 called Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “End of Days”. Its current market value goes over $80,000 because of its rarity and iconic look.
The Offshore series is still popular among youngsters, sports enthusiasts, and athletes. Its value increased by 15 to 20% annually because of its–
- History
- Rugged design
- Pioneering role
- Craftmanship
- Complications
Let’s help you out with a table–
|
Series/Model |
Year |
Original Price (Approx) |
Current Market Value (Approx) |
|
Royal Oak 5402ST |
1972 |
$4,000 |
$100,000 - $2,130,767+ |
|
Royal Oak Yellow Gold 5402BA |
1977 |
$7,000 |
$200,000 - $300,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25820ST |
1981 |
N/A |
$70,000 - $250,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph |
1993 |
$20,000 |
$30,000 - $80,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Offshore “End of Days” |
1999 |
$15,000 |
$80,000 - $100,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Offshore Titanium/Ceramic |
2000s |
$25,000 |
$40,000 to $50,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph |
2021 |
$250,000 |
$300,000+ |
|
Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin “50th Anniversary” |
2022 |
$80,000 |
$100,000+ |
Royal Oak Vs. Royal Oak Offshore: Collectibility and Future Value
|
Features |
Royal Oak |
Royal Oak Offshore |
|
Collectibility |
High |
Medium to High |
|
Future Value |
Strong appreciation potential |
Appreciation for limited editions |
The Royal Oak is already on the list of the best watch for investment purposes. It still has this iconic status along with rarity and history that makes it a must-have timepiece among collectors.
Many Royal Oak models have seen a huge appreciation in value. It’s especially true for limited editions and those with rare complications,
With Offshore models, it’s slightly different with most things similar.
Although they may not have the same level of collectibility, their audience base is solid. You’ll find more people looking for the Offshore since the watch has essential factors like durability, rugged look, and intricate features.
Some Royal Oak Offshore models are more valuable than basic ones. For example– the limited edition Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main differences between Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore?
The key difference lies in the size. Royal Oak is more subtle, slim, and elegant whereas RO Offshore is beefier, more solid, and more rugged.
Some other factors that make both different are– materials, complications, and rarity.
Which is more expensive, Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore?
Of course, it’s Royal Oak. The original is costlier because of its history, iconic status, rarity, and pioneering role.
However, some limited editions of the RO Offshore can also be costly.
Is Royal Oak Offshore a good investment?
Yes. Royal Oak Offshore can be quite precious, especially the limited editions and rare ones. People keep looking for them.
This makes it a good investment.
Can you wear Royal Oak Offshore every day?
Yes. the Royal Oak Offshore has been designed for everyday use. It has a robust design and water resistance that makes it a solid timepiece.
How can I tell if a Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore is genuine?
The genuine Royal Oak or Offshore has these traits—
- High-quality finishing
- Accurate engravings
- Correct serial numbers
- Purchase from authorized dealers
Royal Oak or RO Offshore: What To Pick?
Both the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore have some similarities like– quality materials, craftsmanship, individual uniqueness, and social status.
The key difference lies in top features— be it the size, material option, pattern, design, or use of mechanism.
Such differences worked to create different target audiences. This helped Audemars Piguet a lot in reaching a broader range of people.
If you want something luxurious for occasional wear, you can have Royal Oak. If you want something for regular, there’s Offshore.