Introduction
First released in 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore was designed to expand upon Audemars Piguet's ever-iconic Royal Oak collection as a sports-focused timepiece. Designed so that it could take some serious wear and tear while continuing to perform at the highest standards possible, the Royal Oak Offshore epitomized a luxury sports watch by all accounts. Featuring AP's artisanal craftsmanship, avant-garde design, and an impeccable taste for the horological, the Royal Oak Offshore was a true maverick amongst both; AP’s offerings and the entire industry.Launched as a Ladies’ version of the Offshore, the ref. 79290ST that we have here remains faithful to the original release’s aesthetic with a robust yet downsized 31mm stainless steel case and iconic integrated bracelet with the very same exposed rubber gasket and winding crown. Featuring a dark navy blue dial, the ref. 79290ST is a time and date-only timepiece and so lacks its predecessor’s chronograph function. As such, its "Petite Tapisserie” dial is somewhat unusual as it also features a concentric satin-brushed chapter ring with shortened applied hour markers which highlights its smaller female-friendly construction, something its 42mm “Beast” Royal Oak Offshore predecessor certainly was not.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
31mm
Model
Ladies Royal Oak Offshore
Movement
Automatic cal. 21C
Reference
79290ST
Bracelet
Stainless steel integrated bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Like New
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Closely linked to its sibling, the Royal Oak Offshore "Beast," the ref. 79290ST features a navy blue dial with a "Petite Tapisserie" pattern in its center that is contrasted by the smooth finish along the chapter ring that houses its applied tritium hour markers. Furthermore, the hour markers and hands on this example have aged to boast a gorgeous creamy patina throughout.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Closely inspired by Genta's Royal Oak design, the Royal Oak Offshore's bracelet is slightly more rounded with a thicker rubber gasket underneath its octagonal bezel ensuring improved water and shock resistance.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
In excellent, close to new condition. The case and bracelet with full proportions, definition and original stain finishes. The bracelet with 16 full & 2 half links, 6 full links removable.
Our Perspective
A thoroughly capable timepiece, the Royal Oak Offshore was one of the first watches within the hyper-sports watch category - a category that has since given rise to brands like Richard Mille, and given a platform to brands like Hublot and many others to pivot from.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
