MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18826
Some thoughts on the AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver
As this model has been brought up recently in a few discussion threads, it seemed like a good time to refresh on this unique Audemars Piguet Offshore. Unique in many ways, notably for being a non-chronograph Royal Oak Offshore, and visually for the extra crown located on the caseband at 10:00. Two attributes that jump out to all AP enthusiasts.
Launched in 2010, the Offshore Diver was the evolution of a few models that were released before. The previous series were known as the "Scuba", and began with some limited editions for Wempe. They were followed by 3 AP Boutique versions that featured different colors (orange, blue, and red).
The Diver's dial shows a striking similarity to the original Royal Oak dial, and it has been well embraced since its launch. We have seen other "black and white" themed watches from AP, and the combination seems extremely well suited for a dive watch.
Fitted on a wide rubber strap and secured with a tang buckle, a new level of comfort was achieved. Now known simply as the "Diver strap", many AP fans have selected this strap and buckle to pair with other AP Offshores.
When I hear the words "dive watch", the first thing I recall is the necessary rotating bezel. Most common, this rotating bezel sits atop the watch and is mounted on a mechanism which allows it to be directly turned by the user. Never one to follow the norm, AP instead elected to mount the Diver's rotating bezel inside the watch case. This offers a huge advantage of not allowing it to be accidentally moved once set, as it is rotated by using the extra locking crown at 10:00. I quite enjoy the interesting aesthetic this extra crown creates as well, as most watches do not have a crown located in this position.
Typical Audemars Piguet finishing seems even more apparent with a black dial and other accents. With all of the rubber components being black, the watch has a wonderful balance. In addition, I feel the "simple" dial layout and colors go a long way to emphasizing the beauty of the Royal Oak Offshore case.
With a 300m water resistance, this version features a rather massive steel caseback. It is much more common nowadays to see manufacturers fit open casebacks on all or most of their watches, but in my humble opinion, all dive watches should have solid casebacks.
As we know, AP has released several new versions of this Offshore Diver the past few years. Forged carbon case with ceramic bezel, black ceramic cased with orange accents, white ceramic cased with blue accents, and strangely my favorite, the tantalum and pink gold QEII. But we cannot speak strongly enough about the original steel diver, which thankfully is still produced today. This one offers strong Royal Oak DNA in the necessary and robust Royal Oak Offshore case. It utilizes AP's manufacture caliber 3120 and is supplied on a superb strap. Exceptionally crafted; it is a striking timepiece. Really nothing we would change on this one, and that makes for an outstanding long term watch.
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Some thoughts on the AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver
As this model has been brought up recently in a few discussion threads, it seemed like a good time to refresh on this unique Audemars Piguet Offshore. Unique in many ways, notably for being a non-chronograph Royal Oak Offshore, and visually for the extra ...
A valuable summary and reference-Well Done
Hi Michael, This is a fine overview of an often overlooked model line. It's great to have all of this information in a single-source reference for collectors and students of AP, especially in the case of a model that flies below the radar. Absent your stu...
Thank you Tim. Truth is I owe you a little more.
As I started writing the article, the intention was really to highlight this current reference 15703ST. But I also started thinking about the older models, I wanted to add photos of each. I have most of them on my hard drive but not all. I thought I would...
Nice pictures Michael!
You have really capture the beauty of the watch! I think the diver can be used with almost everything really like this watch. best! Ernesto
Hi Ernesto, thanks for reading the article.
The watch belongs to a close friend and I took those photos a long time ago. I really enjoyed having that Diver on my wrist!
It was so enjoyable to read this article and revisit the Diver
When I read or hear the words "The Diver," it is this specific watch among all divers across all brands that comes to my mind. The AP Diver is that powerful a design IMHO. I owned this watch for a while, but sadly had to let it go to fund another watch an...
Insightful reply, thank you Respo
A tip on 3120 based AP movements... after adjusting the time, ease the crown ever so slightly in the direction opposite to which you had just turned it. So if you move the minute hand forward and stop exactly where you want it, turn the crown slight in th...
Great summary
Thanks for this summary Michael! A great watch to really be considered in AP range. I personaly love , I'm just afraid it to be a little bit fragile for a Diving watch! is it really or not? My favourite is the black ceramic cased with orange accents but I...
Wonderful photo Duf!
I think the steel Diver is a robust unit, fully capable of being a real dive watch. As I replied above to Respo, I personally would much prefer a steel watch under water than a ceramic one. Over the years, I have seen some rather abused APs, and you might...
nice feed back
Thanks for your feed back and return of experience Michael. I need to try it as we also can find some very good deals in second hand!
Dont hesitate as I did...
The first time I tried this watch on my wrist, the AD offered it to me at very friendly price but it didn't pull the trigger. I wouldn't necessarily say that I regret that decision, as I used the funds for another 'noble watch purpose' :-). But if I could...
Great review Michael
The steel Diver is a fantastic watch. I recently picked hop its ceramic brother and absolutely love it. The all black look, the beautiful finishing of the ceramic combined with scratch resistance is a winning combo. In reality I will never dive with it so...
Excellent, congratulations Colin!
I hope you get around to posting some photos of it! The ceramic material sure showcases AP's amazing case finishing.
