Audemars Piguet “26400AU”

Audemars Piguet “26400AU”

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26400AU.OO.A002CA.01 is one of the most striking and technically advanced versions of the Royal Oak Offshore, combining the bold design language of the Offshore collection with cutting-edge materials such as forged carbon and ceramic. Measuring 44 millimeters in diameter, the case is crafted from forged carbon, a material produced by compressing carbon fibers at high temperatures. This process gives each watch a unique marbled texture and makes it both incredibly strong and lightweight. The result is a watch that has commanding wrist presence without the weight typically associated with large, solid-metal sports watches.

The bezel is made from black ceramic, offering extreme scratch resistance and a beautiful contrast to the textured carbon case. It features the Royal Oak’s iconic octagonal design with exposed white gold screws, a hallmark of the collection since its debut in 1972. The chronograph pushers and crown are also made of ceramic, accented by titanium crown guards that provide both durability and a subtle metallic contrast. The crystal and exhibition caseback are both sapphire, allowing an unobstructed view of the intricate movement while maintaining water resistance up to 100 meters.

The dial is a bold “Méga Tapisserie” pattern in deep black, adding a sense of depth and texture. The white gold hour markers and hands are filled with luminous material for legibility, while red chronograph accents inject a touch of sportiness and energy. The layout follows a classic tri-compax configuration with three subdials: small seconds, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter. The date window sits neatly at 3 o’clock, with a color-matched wheel to blend seamlessly into the dark background.