AP SIHH 2014: 44mm black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore w/ anthracite dial

May 12, 2014,13:54 PM
 

Earlier this year at SIHH 2014, Audemars Piguet released a new dial for the 44mm black ceramic cased Royal Oak Offshore.  The year before, AP showed the same Offshore with a black dial.  This new Royal Oak Offshore has an anthracite colored dial, and is a reference 26402CB.


Those of you who read my recent articles on the 42mm Royal Oak Offshores will recall my stated love for all things grey smile  So again, it will come as as no surprise when I state right off the bat that I adore this new 44mm grey dialed Offshore.





Aside from the few red accents used to define the chronograph timing hands, the entire piece is otherwise greyscale.





Audemars Piguet does a superb job with finishing ceramic.  And depending upon the lighting, it can look somewhat less than black and have a shimmer.





No one will argue for a better strap than AP's superbly supple rubber offering with pin buckle.





The strap attachment plots are titanium.





A major part of the evolution with the 44mm Royal Oak Offshores are the pushers and crown guard assembly.  You really have to look closely to appreciate the multiple levels of finishing and materials AP utilizes on this area of the watch.  The outer portion of the pusher is black ceramic.  It is attached to a blasted titanium piece, which protrudes from a blasted titanium guard area.  As the metal moves closer to the black ceramic crown, the finish becomes brushed.  Needless to say, these various black and grey components match very well with the anthracite dial on this particular version.









The silver tach ring does well to offer a frame for the dial.  It also  provides great legibility for the red-tipped chronograph seconds hand counter.  The outer portion of the minute and hour chronograph subdial rings are also silverized, again uniting the chronograph timing displays.  I am all in favor of this subtle detail, and as someone who has criticized AP's treatment of certain subdial and hand colors in the past, I fully applaud this design decision.  A casual observer might not catch this unifying detail, but it demonstrates superb planning in my opinion.





The 44mm Royal Oak Offshores definitely fit and look larger than the 42mm Offshores.  While the smaller size might look better on my wrist, I feel the fit is fine with the 44mm and I would not hesitate to purchase one.





A quick refresher of the black dialed variant from 2013:









It has been enjoyable to see the progression of the 44mm Royal Oak Offshore line for the few years it has been out.  I certainly have been tempted to acquire one, and for various reasons have not done so.  But I can definitely say at this point that if I am to get one, it will absolutely be this new anthracite dialed version.  It is breathtaking in person.


More posts: 42mm OffshoresRoyal OakRoyal Oak Offshore

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Very informative.

 
 By: M4 : May 12th, 2014-18:24
Nice pics, too. Thanks for sharing. M4

Sure M4. What do you think about this 44mm Offshore?

 
 By: MichaelC : May 13th, 2014-10:00
Think you might try one at some point?

Good question . . .

 
 By: M4 : May 13th, 2014-10:22
. . . I hope to be "back in the game" in the not too distant future and am actively evaluating my next target to complement my white dial Offshore Rubberclad and slate dial15202 Jumbo, both of which are winners imho. To date, I've avoided the 44mm Offshor... 

You have a great foundation already.

 
 By: MichaelC : May 14th, 2014-06:21
Thinking about those 2 models, a Millenary 4101 sure seems like it would be a great addition! A 44mm Royal Oak Offshore would also give you many new things to enjoy. I really like the dials on them. I'm sure it will be a fun decision when the time comes. ... 

I just don't know which one is best

 
 By: mrvastov : July 27th, 2014-14:37
I like the full black its strong, but the contriast with grey not to bad eather. Personally I place the carbon above these 2...

Ceramic 44 Novelty

 
 By: abnerc15 : July 16th, 2015-19:49
Hi Michael... I had the pleasure of trying out the new ceramic anthracite dial and I must say it is truly amazing on the wrist. What I am not sure about is the pricing, given it costs somewhere between the new 42 RG ROO and the 44 RG Novely.... Since I am... 

I'm in full agreement.

 
 By: MichaelC : July 21st, 2015-14:31
I am very tempted by this ceramic Offshore, but find it hard to justify the cost when compared to other available AP models. Of course, if it calls to you the right way, better to spend the dollars on what you really want and will enjoy. But in this case,... 

Thanks for the feedback

 
 By: abnerc15 : July 22nd, 2015-05:30
Thanks Michael... As much as I love this watch the price is not justified... Looking at a few other options and hope to zero in on one soon... Cheers

For me

 
 By: el1125 : July 23rd, 2015-22:02
the RG 44 first, followed by this new ceramic Anthracite finally followed by the Platinum in this order so far....lol So many flavors to choose, it's like Baskin Robbins..maybe there are more metals coming..??

I imagine in time, for sure.

 
 By: MichaelC : July 24th, 2015-13:56
What will also be interesting to see is if any specific store or boutique versions come along based upon the 44mm design. AP sure has slowed down on making these "special" versions, and I agree with that direction.

Very nice looking watch Michael!

 
 By: Chuck A : July 22nd, 2015-11:30
They just keep coming out with beautiful new models!!! Not sure now between this or the SS version. Thanks for the very informative review. Chuck A

You got it Chuck.

 
 By: MichaelC : July 22nd, 2015-11:48
This all ceramic is nice. Definitely a big step up in price over the steel, but she sure looks great!

Thank you and could I ask for your opinion

 
 By: MarcoM16 : August 13th, 2015-16:14
Hi, I just recently joined the forum and would be interested in your opinion as I am actually considering buying the 26405ce (ceramic with anthracite dial). Considering my current collection so far (ap safari, pp nautilus chrono, sea dweller and glashutte...