The Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph has been created in honour of the association of the Swiss watchmaker with the country's challenger in this year's America's Cup.

In 2002, Audemars Piguet joined forces with Ernesto Bertarelli to support the Alinghi team from Switzerland. At the end of the Louis Vuitton Cup regattas, the Alinghi racing yacht won the Challenger title and earned the right to face the New Zealand team in the 31st America’s Cup. At 3:17 p.m. on 2 March 2003, Alinghi crossed the finish line to win the coveted cup. Since then, Audemars Piguet has renewed its sponsorship of the Alinghi team and together they are preparing for the 32nd America’s Cup.

The new chronograph is to be produced as a limited edition run of 2,007 pieces, and the watchmakers at Le Brassus, Switzerland, chose an innovative material that is a first in watchmaking: forged carbon, worked using a process borrowed from the aeronautics industry. Chosen for its excellent resistance and lightness, forged carbon is combined with a ceramic material for the crown and pushers, and with vulcanised rubber. The chronograph is available entirely in forged carbon, in pink gold and carbon, or platinum and carbon.



Developed with excellent shock resistance and water resistant to 100 metres, the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph symbolises the meeting of the worlds of competitive sailing and luxury watchmaking, not only in the choice of materials but also in its functions and design.

Designed with America’s Cup regattas in mind, the timepiece has a “flyback” chronograph function as well as a 10-minute countdown function, both in keeping with the 11-minute race start rule. The dial reflects the nautical world, with counter hands shaped like the prow of a ship, the Alinghi logo at 3 o’clock and bright red accents to enhance the sporting spirit of this exceptional timepiece. These details were met with great enthusiasm by the guests at the Audemars Piguet press conference.



The watch's case is made of forged carbon (1,300 pieces), 18-carat pink gold (600 pieces) or 950 platinum (107 pieces). The case back is adorned with an image of the Alinghi team, engraved with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team - Limited Edition; water resistant to 100m. All bezels are forged carbon and the straps are vulcanised rubber with a pin buckle.

The latest Audemars Piguet watches - including the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph - are available in Central London from Marcus, 170 New Bond Street, London W1. Tel: +44(0)207 290 6500.

For further information please visit www.marcuswatches.co.uk.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Audemars Piguet