Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition Luxury Watch Review

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Audemars Piguet appreciates fine machinery. That's why, from 2006-2012, AP honored the annual Tour Auto Optic 2000 vintage car rally with a commemorative model; this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition is one of 100 built for the 2008 model year.

Audemars Piguet and Tour Auto have a great deal in common. The mutual interest in history, high performance, craft traditions, and engineering is obvious. Less obvious is the form a watchmaker should choose to pay tribute to cars; the subtle cues of this Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto are a study in delicate homage.

AP employs a classic Tour Auto Optic 2000 color palette of red, white, and black to reference the event without stooping to clumsy co-branding. There is nothing on the classic 42mm case or signature Royal Oak "tapisserie" dial to betray a purpose beyond aesthetic appeal.

On the case back, AP gives up its game; the Tour Auto logo is engraved on the individually numbered backing plate. But that's the only giveaway.

Otherwise, the Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition is a study in an Offshore done right. AP swaps its usual hornback alligator strap for a supple calf leather model that lends the Tour Auto a light wrist feel and a more sporting character than the patrician 'gator imparts. As a bonus, the calf leather (with gorgeous contrasting white stitching) conforms more readily to smaller wrists and enables a secure fit not always possible when wearing a ROO with the hornback 'gator.

The color scheme is handsome by any standard, and this LE ranks among the few Royal Oak Offshore models that could pull off formal attire if pressed into dress service. Yes, it has that kind of presence.

Inside the case - now an established horology icon in its own right - Audemars Piguet employs its in-house caliber 3126/3840 automatic chronograph movement. A full balance bridge, 55-hour power reserve, maintenance-free ceramic winding rotor bearings, and exquisite finishing ensure that this Tour Auto LE packs a motor to rival any vintage Ferrari.

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition presents in outstanding condition and can be viewed with full factory boxes, manuals, documentation, and accessories on www.thewatchbox.com Video and content by Tim Mosso.