Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph Review

Beyond the obvious splash of color, the watch’s appearance is bold and unforgiving. The signature “mega Tapisserie” dial makes the hands and indices stand out, and the thick, masculine stainless steel case (standing at 14.75mm) will ensure that this watch won’t go unnoticed. 

Audemars Piguet is also moving in the right direction technologically. Despite the fact that the Royal Oak Offshore Diver was first introduced in 2010, this is the first update that offers a chronograph complication. It also offers divers an excellent timepiece that will work both underwater and above. With a water resistance of 30 bars, a screw-locked crown, and a rubber strap, you can be sure that your watch will hold up to the elements. 

However, there is one thing that makes us hesitate. This watch does not use an entirely in-house movement. This line uses the Audemars Piguet Caliber 3124/3841 with a Dubois Depraz chronograph module fitted on top. Many top watch connoisseurs are surprised to see that Audemars Piguet has not developed their own in-house chronograph movement. This puts them slightly behind other brands, such as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, that have already created this movement and rolled it out into their watches. Perhaps a completely in-house movement is the next step for Audemars Piguet? We’ll see come January 2017!

These colorful watches have polarized the watch community. Some love the bold statement while others find the vibrant colors to be out of place and jarring. What do you think? Do you like these anything-but-ordinary watches? Let us know in the comments below. 

Note: If you’re thinking seriously about buying one of these watches, then we have some important information for you. These are limited edition watches that are exclusive to boutiques. Audemars Piguets manufactured only 400 blue watches, 375 yellow watches, 375 orange watches, and 50 lime green watches. The lime green watches are only available in their Geneva boutique.