Why Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore is the Perfect Sports Watch

Serena Williams commands respect across the world of sports and beyond, having recently ended her record-breaking tennis career. A professional as famous and revered as her merits an equally prestigious watch. For the past few years, and for her last professional matches, that watch has been a gorgeous, personalised example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection. 

But why is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection the best companion for a sportsperson like Serena Williams? Here, we’ll delve into the reasons behind its popularity and desirability.

It’s as Iconic as Its Predecessor

The Royal Oak Offshore is part of a long, well-earned legacy, beginning with the Royal Oak collection itself. These were made long before modern sports watches, intended merely to be as practical for physical activity as they were attractive to wear to dinner. 

In 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore collection was introduced. It was designed to be an even “sportier” version of a watch already meant for skiing, games of golf, and other activities. However, this hasn’t diminished the collection’s use simply for the fact that the name “Audemars Piguet” alone carries a great deal of respect.

It’s Perfect for Sports

As explained above, the Royal Oak Offshore has its heritage in sports watches designed for elegance. It’s also exceeded its predecessor in becoming the perfect, precision-made sports watch. Top models are available with chronographs, minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, and even more complications and functions that are ideal for an active lifestyle. Diver models are also water-resistant to a depth of 300m.

Serena Williams wore hers out on the court while playing matches (famously upside-down at Wimbledon), demonstrating their suitability to people watching around the world. The unparalleled professionalism and care that goes into making these watch models also mean any sportsperson can be certain that their complications will work exactly as needed.

Straps and bracelets are available either in different metals for durability or rubber for pliability. Serena Williams’ own model featured a rubber strap, as this would have been more flexible for swinging a tennis racket.

It Offers Variety

The designers of the Royal Oak Offshore collection have turned creating watches into a fine art worthy of experimentation and exploration. The result of this over the years has been a range of unique and impressive models, including a diverse number of distinctive designs and colours. One of the most notable of these is the Camouflage range, available in khaki green, blue, or brown. 

As a fashion icon both on and off the court, Serena Williams can make this selection of colours and designs work with any outfit she is planning on wearing.

Other makes include the Brick range and the Alinghi Polaris range, though these are not the only series available to make a true statement when worn.

Limited Edition Pieces

Audemars Piguet often creates special and limited edition timepieces in the Royal Oak Offshore collection. These rare, exquisite watch models are bound to garner attention and are sophisticated examples of the designers’ expertise and attention to detail. 

One particular example of this involves another iconic sportsperson – the Formula 1 racer Michael Schumacher. The Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher comes in titanium, rose gold, or platinum, and each version is strictly limited by the number sold. 1,000 were made in titanium, 500 in rose gold, and only 100 in platinum.

Other limited edition watch models have been manufactured to honour Schumacher’s former teammate Rubens Barrichello and the Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

The Collection Continues to Update

For enthusiasts looking for the latest in watches, Audemars Piguet has newer models available in the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Serena Williams continues to be a spokesperson for Audemars Piguet, meaning she can continue to model their latest designs even though she has retired from professional tennis.

In 2021, the brand released a refined, updated version of the collection’s original timepiece. It made the polished chamfering of the case’s edges larger, and the case itself was made 1mm smaller. A quick-change system for the bands was also introduced. 

Another change to the original for the 2021 Royal Oak Offshore was the in-house calibre. Audemars Piguet had only previously used this for the Code 11.59 collection. The movement makes good use of a 70-hour power reserve and a flyback chronograph function.

The updated version of the watch is available in stainless steel, titanium, and rose gold. Most models feature a black ceramic bezel. The only exception to this is the ref. 26420TI.OO.A027CA.01 in titanium. This model comes with a titanium bezel, as well as a blue dial and rubber strap.

It’s an Excellent Investment

Serena Williams often invests in sporting teams and leagues, but her Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches are a fantastic investment as well. Any model in the collection, or even the brand as a whole, is likely to hold its value for many years.

As a result, any wearer could have tens of thousands of pounds sitting on their wrist at any one time.

Prices for Royal Oak Offshore Models

Even models at the lower end of the scale will be worth a lot. A Royal Oak Offshore Diver (42mm in stainless steel) for instance may be found at a starting price of about £16,000. A “Safari” model (42mm in stainless steel) may be found for around £17,200, and a “Bumblebee” model (42mm in carbon) has a starting price of about £21,200.

This isn’t even taking into account models which make use of complications. A simple Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph (42mm in rose gold) may be sold at around £36,000. Meanwhile, even more complicated watch designs like the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Openworked (44mm in titanium) are priced at around £146,800 or higher. 

At the highest point of the upper end, you’ll find models like the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph (45mm in rose gold). You can expect these to be sold for around £342,400.

Have You Got Your Own Royal Oak Offshore?

A valuable collector’s item, our team are available to buy your Royal Oak Offshore watches for fantastic cash prices. We offer free, no-obligation valuations for a range of luxury watch types. Daniel, our specialist, will be glad to take a look at any Audemars Piguet Offshore model.

All valuations are personalised to the watch type you have, offering a fair and market-competitive selling price for your timepiece. Daniel will inspect the piece you have for sale and work this price out based on:

• The age of the watch
• The condition of the watch
• Confirmed use of precious metals (like gold or platinum)
• Confirmed use of precious stones (like diamonds)
• Complications used in the watch
• Functions of the watch

We offer great upfront prices with free valuations, with none of the associated fees that come from selling through an auction house.

Find Fine Prices for Royal Oak Offshore Models

To start selling a stylish piece from the Royal Oak Offshore collection, or any other Audemars Piguet watch, get in touch with us today. Whether online or over the phone, we’ll reply quickly and arrange a valuation as soon as possible. For your convenience, this meeting will happen in the comfort of your own home no matter where you live in the UK.

Once the valuation has been carried out and you’re happy with the selling price quoted, we’ll make a secure, instant payment into your bank account. Whether looking to sell a Royal Oak Offshore or any other fine watch, speak to a member of our team today.

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