AP Goes Full Stealth: The All-Black Ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 42mm
Audemars Piguet continues to push the boundaries of material innovation with the release of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 42mm in full black ceramic. This striking timepiece, reference 26238CE.OO.1300CE.02, represents the brand's commitment to modernizing its iconic design language while maintaining the DNA that made the Royal Oak Offshore a legend.
Design and Materials
The new ref. 26238CE is crafted entirely in black ceramic, including the 42mm case and integrated bracelet. The all-black aesthetic extends to the dial, which features AP's signature Méga Tapisserie pattern in a contemporary black finish. The hour markers and hands are crafted from white gold that has been blackened to match the monochromatic theme.
This represents a significant evolution from the original Royal Oak Offshore "The Beast" of 1993, which was presented in stainless steel. The black ceramic variant offers superior scratch resistance while providing a distinctly modern, stealth-like appearance.
Movement and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Case Material | Black Ceramic |
| Bracelet | Black Ceramic |
| Movement | Calibre 4404 (In-house) |
| Power Reserve | 70 Hours |
| Functions | Flyback Chronograph, Date |
| Water Resistance | 100 Meters |
| Price | $86,900 USD / EUR 86,600 |
The Calibre 4404
At the heart of this timepiece beats the in-house calibre 4404, a self-winding movement that delivers 70 hours of power reserve. The flyback chronograph complication allows the wearer to reset the chronograph to zero and restart it with a single press of the pusher at 4 o'clock—a practical feature for timing consecutive events.
Market Positioning
At $86,900, this black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore positions itself firmly in the ultra-luxury sports watch segment. The price reflects both the advanced ceramic material and the in-house calibre 4404 chronograph movement. For collectors seeking the ultimate stealth luxury timepiece, this offering delivers on every front.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the black ceramic scratch-proof?
A: While ceramic is highly scratch-resistant compared to steel, it is not entirely scratch-proof. However, it will maintain its appearance far better than traditional metal cases over time.
Q: Does the bracelet use titanium pins?
A: Yes, the black ceramic bracelet uses titanium pins and screws for the links, ensuring durability and flexibility.
Q: How does this compare to the previous Black Beast?
A: The 2025 model features an updated Méga Tapisserie dial design and the newer calibre 4404, replacing the previous generation calibre 3126/3840 combination.
Sources: aBlogtoWatch, Monochrome Watches
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