Three years ago Audemars Piguet gave its bestselling sports chronograph a major overhaul with an in-house movement as well as ceramic buttons and crown. Now a quartet of new models unveiled at SIHH 2017 joins the second generation Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph line-up, including a heavyweight version with a platinum case and bracelet.

The basic models are in stainless steel, starting with the blue on black (ref. 26470ST.OO.A028CR.01). This has a black dial with dark blue chronograph registers, matched with a dark blue chapter ring and alligator strap.

The other steel model has a brown dial (ref. 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01) fitted with pink gold hands.

Then there’s the 18k yellow gold that has a blue dial and gilt sub-dials (ref. 26470BA.OO.1000BA.01) that’s anything but subtle. This is delivered on a matching 18k gold bracelet, but accompanied by a spare alligator strap and 18k gold pin buckle.

The top of the line version is the all-platinum (ref. 26470PT.OO.1000PT.01) that marks the return of the model to the catalogue after a hiatus of several years. Impractically but impressively heavy – it tips the scales at over a pound or half a kilo – the platinum Offshore is a limited edition of 50 pieces with a pale grey dial and black sub-dials. Like the yellow gold model, it’s accompanied by a spare alligator strap with a platinum pin buckle.

All four models share the same specs, with a 42mm case featuring a sapphire case back that reveals the calibre 3126/3840 inside.

Price and availability 

The new Offshore Chronographs are available from Audemars Piguet retailers and boutiques, with Swiss francs priced excluding taxes as follows.

Steel and black ref. 26470ST.OO.A028CR.01 – SFr23,500

Steel and brown ref. 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01 – SFr24,000

18k yellow gold ref. 26470BA.OO.1000BA.01 – SFr78,000

950 platinum ref. 26470PT.OO.1000PT.01 – SFr122,000