In recent years, obtaining a timepiece from Audemars Piguet (AP), especially from their iconic Royal Oak collection, has presented a unique challenge. The brand has strategically reduced its supply, implementing strict controls over specialty store purchases and regulating the flow of watches into the secondary market. Consequently, acquiring watches from the primary market has become more demanding, and the Royal Oak, once readily available, has transitioned into a rare gem.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15710, in the world of Replica AP watches, stands out as one of the more accessible models. Launched in 2010, the Offshore Diver is a relatively young addition to the Royal Oak series, having evolved through three distinct generations:

• First generation (2010-2015, model 15703) featured Jaeger-LeCoultre movements and a solid case back.
• Second generation (2015-2021, model 15710) incorporated AP’s in-house 3120 movement and introduced a transparent case back.
• Third generation (2021-present, model 15720) boasts AP’s new generation 4300 series movement and a transparent case back.

The Offshore Diver, with its 42mm size, may not be exceptionally large, especially when compared to the 41mm regular three-hand Royal Oak 15500/15510. However, in pursuit of 300m water resistance and meeting professional diver watch standards, the watch has been noticeably thickened and widened. The resulting dimensions provide a substantial and robust diver’s watch when worn.

Design-wise, the dial of the Royal Oak Offshore Diver deviates from the regular Royal Oak’s elegance, showcasing a more rugged appearance. The hands and hour markers have been thickened, and a small magnifying glass has been integrated to enhance the date display at the 3 o’clock position. The dial adopts AP’s large checkered decoration, a noticeable departure from the small checkered pattern seen on the standard Royal Oak.

The Offshore Diver 15710 houses AP’s 3120 automatic movement, once celebrated as the “most beautiful automatic movement.” Although the 3120 movement has since been succeeded by AP’s new generation 4300 series movement, it remains renowned for its aesthetic and functional excellence. The 3120 movement features eight fine-tuning weights and a full gold automatic rotor engraved with AP’s two family crests, making it truly exquisite and magnificent.

Comparing the 42mm Offshore 15710 and the 41mm regular three-hand Royal Oak 15500, the numerical size difference between the two may not be substantial. However, the additional crown guards and sturdier lugs on the Offshore Diver 15710 give it a considerably more robust presence. The strap is also wider. Furthermore, the thickness varies significantly, with the Offshore 15710 measuring 14mm thick, while the Royal Oak 15500 has a slimmer profile at 10.5mm.

If you are comfortable with the dimensions of the Offshore Diver, you can acquire a Royal Oak with relatively less difficulty and at a more affordable cost. If size is a concern, you might consider the Royal Oak 15500/15510, although acquiring one may be more challenging and expensive. Audemars Piguet watches, particularly those in the Royal Oak collection, continue to symbolize luxury and precision in the world of horology, striking a balance between rarity and desirability in the market.