The 5 Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches Sold at Sotheby’s in 2024

The 5 Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches Sold at Sotheby’s in 2024

Here we explore the five most expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches sold at Sotheby’s in 2024.
Here we explore the five most expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches sold at Sotheby’s in 2024.

A Brief History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore series was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of haute horlogerie, building on the success of the original 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Designed by Gérald Genta, the original Royal Oak revolutionized watchmaking with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. In the late 1980s, Audemars Piguet sought to create a more robust, larger timepiece to appeal to a new generation of watch enthusiasts. In 1989, designer Emmanuel Gueit presented a bold concept, featuring a 42mm case that set the Royal Oak Offshore apart from its predecessor.

Debuting in 1993 at the Basel Watch Fair, the Royal Oak Offshore, nicknamed "The Beast," initially faced skepticism but soon garnered a loyal following. Over the years, the series expanded with various complications, materials, and limited editions, such as the 1999 "End of Days" collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Advanced materials like forged carbon and ceramics further enhanced its appeal. Today, the Royal Oak Offshore is a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet's collection, celebrated for its bold design, technical excellence, and lasting impact on the luxury watch industry. Read on to discover the most expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore models sold at Sotheby's in 2024.

1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'The Beast N°001' Reference 25721PT.0O.1000PT.01 Circa 1997, 190,500 CHF

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “The Beast” N°1 - Reference 25721PT

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'The Beast N°001' Reference 25721PT.0O.1000PT.01 was sold for 190,500 CHF in May 2024. This platinum version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was famously known as The Beast. Weighing an impressive 520.95 grams, it was the first of only seven ever produced and was highly sought after by collectors. The grand 42mm case exemplified the watch's rugged elegance. This particular watch was in impeccable condition and came with original paperwork, box, and a digital extract from the Audemars Piguet archives.

Designed by Emmanuel Gueit, The Beast revolutionized the Royal Oak watch line-up with its substantial size and robust build. The platinum case added to its prestige, and its limited production further enhanced its exclusivity. Bearing the number 001, this watch became a grail for serious collectors as a perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26170OR.OO.1000OR.01 Circa 2012, 102,000 USD

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26170OR.OO.1000OR.01

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26170OR.OO.1000OR.01 sold for 102,000 USD in December 2024. Set in an elegant 42mm 18k pink gold case, this model features a striking silvered dial with three sub-dials, a date window, and luminescent hour markers and hands for optimal readability. Powered by the self-winding Caliber 3126, the watch offers chronograph and date functionality, as well as an impressive 50-hour power reserve. The accompanying 18k pink gold bracelet with a double folding clasp perfectly complements the refined aesthetic of the piece, ensuring both comfort and style on the wrist.

Adding to the uniqueness of this already exceptional timepiece, the 26170OR.OO.1000OR.01 has been worn and consigned directly by none other than Tom Brady. This exclusive provenance combined with the precision of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship, makes this watch an embodiment of both sport and elegance.

3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'The Beast' Reference 25721BC Circa 1996, 76,200 EUR

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'The Beast' Reference 25721BC

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'The Beast' Reference 25721BC sold for 76,200 EUR in March 2024. First introduced in 1993, the Reference 25721 was part of the pioneering series that defined the oversized luxury watch trend. While initially available in stainless steel, titanium, and yellow gold, the model's unique white gold version stands out due to its rarity. With only 21 examples produced between 1996 and 2003, this limited edition piece is both a technical marvel and a coveted collector's item.

The present example, numbered 008, is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most striking and collectible watches crafted by Audemars Piguet. Weighing an extraordinary 410 grams,
this timepiece features eight diamonds replacing the hour markers and a solid white gold construction. With only a handful of these white gold versions available, the Reference 25721 'The Beast' is not only a remarkable piece in terms of its design but also a symbol of luxury and Audemars Piguet's innovative craftsmanship.

4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition Reference 15600CE.OO.A002CA.01 Circa 2022, 540,000 HKD

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition Reference 15600CE.OO.A002CA.01

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Music Edition Reference 15600CE.OO.A002CA.01 sold for 540,000 HKD in October 2024. Released in 2022, this limited-edition model showcases Audemars Piguet's innovation with a sleek ceramic case and a vibrant, music equalizer-inspired dial. The dial's dynamic design pays homage to the rhythm and energy of sound, with bold, colorful accents that emphasize the watch’s playful nature. Limited to just 250 pieces, this edition is both a rare collector's item and a celebration of Audemars Piguet’s ongoing evolution in watchmaking.

In addition to its visually captivating dial, the Music Edition comes as a complete set, accompanied by three interchangeable rubber straps in blue, yellow, and green. This allows owners to customize their look, giving the watch a versatile, trendy appeal. The watch's design is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s ability to blend technical elements with artistic creativity, making it a standout in the Royal Oak Offshore collection.

5. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26470OR.OO.A002CR.02 Circa 2021, 304,800 HKD

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26470OR.OO.A002CR.02

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Reference 26470OR.OO.A002CR.02 sold for 304,800 HKD in February 2024. The timepiece features a 42mm 18k pink gold case seamlessly paired with a striking black “Méga Tapisserie” dial. The dial is further enhanced by pink gold-toned counters and applied hour markers, along with Royal Oak hands coated in luminescent material for optimal visibility. The contrast between the rich pink gold and deep black elements creates a dynamic and refined aesthetic. Complementing the watch’s bold look are black ceramic pushpieces and a crown that add a modern edge while ensuring durability.

This model is completed with a black Audemars Piguet rubber strap, secured by an 18-carat pink gold pin buckle, offering both comfort and a touch of opulence. Additional accessories include an extra additional black alligator strap. The combination of premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship embodies the Royal Oak Offshore’s distinctive character, merging technical performance with high-end luxury.

Buy and Sell Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Watches at Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Audemars Piguet models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, Millenary, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Audemars Piguet timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces some exemplifying complications, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Audemars Piguet watches start around $30,000 for models like the Royal Oak, and rise significantly for more coveted designs. Iconic models such as the Royal Oak Offshore and Millenary often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare grand complications can exceed $200,000.

Trust our worldwide network of leading watch specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.

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