Since its debut in 1993, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore (the beefier brother of the classic Royal Oak) has been offered in a range of materials. Now, for 2023, Audemars Piguet announced the first Royal Oak Offshore in full ceramic. Let’s dive into the details.
What’s New for the Royal Oak Offshore?
Full ceramic Royal Oaks are some of the most popular modern Audemars Piguet watches in the market, so it was just a matter of time before the brand would give the same treatment to the Royal Oak Offshore line. This is the very first Royal Oak Offshore in full black ceramic.
See it on the wrist: Black Ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
The Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph ref. 26238CE features a 42mm case crafted entirely of black ceramic — including the pair of chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock and the screw-down winding crown. Thanks to the contrast in colors, the 18k white gold screws that punctuate the signature octagonal bezel pop against the sleek black background. The same goes for the eight lume-filled applied hour markers on the dial and luminous hands at the center.
The black dial is decorated with the Petite Tapisserie pattern (small hobnail motif) and is home to a trio of subdials. The small seconds display sits at 6 o’clock, the 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, and the 12-hour counter at 12 o’clock. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock, which is subtle due to the black date disc. What’s more, should you want to measure average speed or distance using this flyback chronograph, the tachymeter scale is placed on the inner bezel around the dial periphery.
Back to basics: What is a Chronograph watch?
Audemars Piguet paired the black ceramic case of the new ROO 26238CE with a matching black ceramic integrated bracelet, furnished with a titanium AP folding clasp. In true Audemars Piguet form, there’s a fantastic combination of vertically brushed surfaces and polished bevels.
Finally, the back of the watch is fitted with a sapphire display window for a view of the Caliber 4404 automatic movement that powers the watch.
What’s the Same?
The new black ceramic AP ref. 26238CE joins the newest generation of the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42 collection that was released in 2021. These models are heavily inspired by the original 1993 Royal Oak Offshore “Beast” that sent shockwaves throughout the conservative Swiss watch industry.
Learn more: History of Audemars Piguet
For instance, their proportions are similar, they have the same 6/9/12 subdial layout on the petite tapisserie dial, and they are water-resistant to 100 meters. However, they are powered by the newer in-house-made Caliber 4404 integrated, automatic, flyback chronograph movement that was first introduced in Code 11.59.
See it on the wrist: Titanium Royal Oak Offshore
The latest Royal Oak Offshore 26238CE retains all these signature details but freshly dressed in black ceramic from case to bracelet.
Technical Specifications
Black Ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph
| Reference | 26238CE.OO.1300CE.01 |
| Case Size | 42mm in diameter, 15.3mm thick |
| Case Material | Black ceramic |
| Caseback | Glare-proof sapphire crystal and titanium |
| Functions | Flyback chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, and date. |
| Dial | Black dial with Petite Tapisserie pattern |
| Bracelet | Black ceramic with titanium folding clasp |
| Movement | Caliber 4404, self-winding |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| MSRP | $84,400 |
See more on the AP website.
Our Thoughts
As mentioned, full ceramic APs are beloved by collectors so we have no doubts that this new black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph will be in demand. Examples sold on the secondary market will likely fetch a premium over its $84,000 sticker price.
The monochromatic colorway paired with the toughness of black ceramic is perfect for a modern interpretation of AP’s Beast.
We also wouldn’t be surprised if AP adds other ceramic color options to the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42 collection in the near future. Stay tuned.
Other 2023 Watch Releases:
New IWC Portofino Complete Calendar
New Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon Blue & Gold
Six New Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Watches Now In Steel
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph “Panda” for 2023
