Bold Timepieces

Available now - August 1983 Seiko Analogue Quartz Chronograph Ref 7A28-7020 James Bond - £400

Roger Moore wears a Seiko Quartz Chronograph watch in A View To A Kill (1985). The watch is briefly visible in the pre-title sequence when Bond is in a submarine after an intense ski chase.

It was thought that the 7A28-7020 was the model, but it is possible the watch may be a 7A38-7060 Quartz Chronograph, which has a day and date on the right sub-dial. We may never truly know as the comparisons are made against low resolution stills from the film.

Born out of the 1980s and all of its LCD technology, the 7A28 was the worlds first analogue Quartz chronograph movement. It is a movement that has a good production quality, with a host of features. It is manufactured entirely of metal and has a jewel count of 15. It can also be regulated. It really was designed to be durable, dependable and serviceable.

The rectangular plates over sections of the movement each protect a stepping motor for each chronograph function.
Depress the button at 2 O’clock and the chronograph hand starts. The centre second ticks one second at a time, whilst the 1/10ths dial on the right speeds around. The minute counter is at 9 O’clock, with constant seconds at 6. If you depress the button at 10 O’clock, the chronograph keeps running, but the hand stops. This allows a split timer function too. Lastly, if you hold the 4 O’clock pusher, the two chronograph sub-dials and centre second spin round the dial and reset themselves.

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/august-1983-seiko-analogue-quartz-chronograph-ref-7a28-7020-james-bond

For sale we have a very cool 1970s Retro watch by Technos. It is an unusual elongated rectangular watch which fills the wrist, measuring 18.25mm wide by 44mm long. It is a chrome case, in unworn condition, with brushed finish to the front and polished sides. To the right is the Technos signed crown. The dial is a bright blue colour, which radiating sunburst finish, which shines in the light. It has italic white painted arabic numerals, with white signing and white painted hands indicating the time. The rear of the case has a brushed finish to the centre, with polished surround. It is signed with the Technos name and the reference 20470. Inside is the manual wind FHF calibre 69-21 movement. It has incabloc shock protection and is keeping good time, having been regulated.

A very funky retro watch, which is a highly unusual shape. The dial is nicely designed with the white painted numerals and the bright blue sunburst finish. The case has pleasing finishing with the brushed bezel and mirror polished sides in chrome. Inside is a reliable shock proof small Swiss movement, which allows the unusual case shape.
In unworn condition, this is a really fun watch which deserves to be enjoyed.

£250

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1970s-technos-retro-elongated-rectangular-watch-blue-sunburst-dial-fhf-69-21

Here we have a 1979 Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz MK1 reference 17013, with the serial 5833 # # #. The dial is Champagne with a sunburst finish. It has gold baton hour markers with the Rolex cornet logo at 12. It has the date window to the right-hand side, with the acrylic crystal with date magnifier sitting above. It has a gold fluted bezel surrounding the dial, with a stainless-steel case of angular design with bevelled edges. To the right is the gold screw down Oyster crown. The integrated bracelet is formed of steel, with 14k gold central bands. It is original to the watch, with all 12 links. The clasp code VD dates it to 1979. The serial number and reference number are on the rear of the lugs at 12, with the signing ‘Stainless Steel’ & ‘Registered Design’ at 6 O’clock. Inside it is signed with the Rolex text, with the reference 17000B. Inside is the legendary and excellent quality Rolex calibre 5035 Quartz calibre. It has been recently serviced and comes with a two-year warranty.

The Oysterquartz has been a model which has traditionally divided opinion amongst collectors. However, they have aged like a fine wine, with their build quality, innovation and design standing the test of time.

The Oysterquartz range was introduced in 1978, making this an early example of the first generation. There were approximately 25,000-30,000 examples produced between then and 2001.

Inside is arguably the finest Quartz movement ever produced, having been significantly over-engineered. The Rolex calibre 5035 has a jewel count of 11. It benefits from thermocompensation and is anti-magnetic. It has hacking seconds and quickset date. The finishing is typically high grade as expected from Rolex.

£5000

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1979-rolex-datejust-oysterquartz-ref-17013-mk1-cal-5035-serviced

Here we have a 1918 18ct gold Longines cushion case watch. It has a bright white enamel dial, with italic font Arabic numerals and standout red 12. The thermally blued Plume hands display the time, with the sunken sub-second track at 6 O’clock. The cushion case is a beautiful classic shape, being a rich yellow tone with its 18ct gold construction. Inside of the case is marked with the Longines name, head of Helvetia and 18k signing. The calibre 11.84N movement has been recently serviced and is in good condition.

-£700-

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1918-longines-18ct-gold-cushion-case-enamel-dial-watch-cal-11-84n-serviced

Here we have a war time, 1941 Longines Calatrava reference 2326. The case is also signed with the ref 21225 which can be seen on other examples. It has a 32.5mm stainless steel case, with broad bezel design and snap-on case back. The dial is a patinated champagne tone, with speckled ageing. It has silver leaf style hands, with sunk sub-seconds register. It has beautiful, raised batons with Arabic 9,12,3 with double dash marks. Inside is the gilt finished Longines calibre 12.68Z movement, which has been recently serviced. This is a good original example, with extract from the archive.

The watch was invoiced on 15th May 1941 to the company Ostersetzer, which was Longines agent in Italy at the time.

The Calatrava style is widely recognised as one of the purest and most beautiful designs of 20th century horology. The design centres around a broad bezel, clear hour markers, simple yet elegant hands and a sub-second register at 6 O’clock.

- £1150 -
https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1941-longines-steel-cased-calatrava-ref-2326-arabic-9-12-3-cal-12-68z-serviced

Personal engravings can tell a fascinating story.
Here we have a 1937 Cyma trench style watch, with a Silver Dennison case and guilloche textured dial.

Most interest in military watches centres around models by household brands that were officially issued to forces. However not everyone involved in the war effort had an official issued watch. Some chose to wear their own watches and these examples, provide a fascinating social history behind those that were part of the war.

This particular example introduces us to the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and a woman named Queenie. Queenie was born and lived in Paddington, London. She was married post war in 1946. She passed in 2016 in Bath, Somerset.

Queenie Daphne Bridges (2034840) enrolled in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force after May of 1941. She was enrolled by the Inspectorate of Recruiting.

The WAAF was founded In June of 1939. It was the female auxiliary of the British Royal Air Force during World War II. WAAF numbers exceeded 181,000 at its peak strength in 1943 (Accounting for 15.7% of the RAF)with over 2,000 women enlisting per week.

Conscription of women did not begin until after December 1941 when the British Government passed the National Service Act (No. 2). It only applied to those between 20 and 30 years of age and they had the choice of the military auxiliary services, the civilian Woman’s Land Army or factory work in support of the war effort.

This watch will soon be available, with more information about the WAAF and Queenie attached.

Whilst I’m away, I’ll share a long term project that is available to reserve!
Here we have a circa 1900 Omega Goliath 8 Day Nickel cased pocket watch. It has the MM & Co patent for a light at 12 O’clock. First patented in 1894, by Manger & E Mojon & Co, what would be the use of such a light in a pocket watch?
It was a night watchman’s piece. One could carry the pocket watch and view the time at night during their rounds.
It is uncommon to find one with its original leather carry case. It is highly unusual to have one with the original batteries from between 1900-1910. So uncommon are the batteries, that one features in the British museums collection.
It is now fully functional with a switch to the top and a much smaller AA battery powered set up. It has a modern warm tone LED bulb. It’s been an absolute joy bringing this unusual piece back to function.
- £850 -

Five fun and affordable watches added yesterday - Each have their own qualities and design merits. Which is your favourite? Comment below!

1. 1950s Cyma Navystar Cymaflex Gilt Black dial gold markers ref 25678-6 R.467 - £375

2. 1950s Rensie Incabloc luminous numerals tool watch thermally blued hands AS 1187 - £274

3. 1960s Eloga Fortis Flipper Automatic plastic interchangeable bezel Sports Watch - £325

4. 1957 Audax 9ct gold cushion case watch applied numerals, Venus 180 serviced - £350

5. 1950s Miramar Geneve Bidynator Automatic gold plated watch Felsa 690 - £300

Here we have a For sale we have a charming circa 1946 Longines 14k gold tank watch, which was manufactured for the US market. It has a beautiful square yellow gold case, with a flared fancy lug design which catches the eye. It has a silver satin dial with applied hour markers and in-set sub-second dial. It is signed Swiss Made to the base. The movement sits within the case back, which has Longines signing to the inside, with Swiss hallmarking for 14k gold and the reference 5853. The calibre 8LN movement has been recently serviced and is in good condition. It has the LXW writing, which is the US import code.

This is a very pleasing mid-century dress watch. It has the dependability and quality of good Swiss maker, with the design flare that could only be found within the American market.

It comes in a later, 1960s Longines box. - £725

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1946-longines-14k-yellow-gold-us-market-tank-watch-flared-lugs-ref-5853-cal-8ln

Here we have an uncommon and standout Rolex. Move over sports models, Rolex also produced a number of elegant dress pieces.
This is a 1959 Rolex reference 9548. It has a square 18ct gold case with brick effect bezel and dial. It is signed with the Rolex name and applied cornet, with the officially certified chronometer text. It has beautiful arrow hour markers and is neatly balanced with applied pyramid markers at 9 and 3.
To the rear it has the Rolex cornet engraved with the serial number.
Inside is the chronometer grade movement, which was the same calibre used later in the Cellini line.
It comes with its chronometer certification papers and its original box.
A beautiful piece of design and unusual to have the box and chronometer papers from this period!

For sale we have a July 1978 Seiko Grand Quartz reference 9943-8020, with silver snow dial, on an XBB-240L Stainless Steel bracelet. This is one of the best silver snow dials we have seen! ❄️

The world’s first mass production quartz watch was released in December 1969. Throughout the 1970s there was a cycle of rapid development to transform this new technology from a science like project, into a high-end, cutting-edge form of haute-horology.

Subsequently, these quartz pieces that gave Seiko so much success, cannibalised not just other brands mechanical pieces, but also Seiko’s. As such these names shifted, with Grand Seiko now being revamped as Grand Quartz, making use of fresh quartz technology.

The first Grand Quartz watches debuted in 1975, with the next generation of movements, the Twin Quartz calibres, introduced in 1978.

The Twin Quartz, temperature compensated movements marked the shift from measuring accuracy in terms of an ANNUAL rate, rather than monthly. It was rated at +/- 10 seconds a year. This really was the peak of accuracy and performance. It is a desirable reference to the beautiful silver snow dial and the integrated tooth link bracelet. Combining accuracy and impeccable design with high quality touches, these vintage Grand Quartz watches represent significant value for money.

The dial is in excellent condition. It is finished to an exceptionally high standard with the texture and tone of the silver snow finish. - £600

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/july-1978-seiko-grand-quartz-ref-9943-8020-steel-bracelet-xbb-240l

Here we have a beautiful mid-century watch, with two important British names attached. This 1947 Asprey watch is a classic 28mm 9ct gold cushion case with an excellent original dial, with thermally blued and luminous hands and hour markers. The case back has a personal engraving for 26 years of service with the Fairey Aviation Co LTD. The case is of a good quality, manufactured by Dennison. Inside, the manual wind Marc Favre movement is in very good condition, having been recently serviced.
The watch comes in its original box. It is very unusual for a box to have both the retailer name inside and the presentation companies logo and name to the outside of the box. This indicates the importance and prestige of Fairey as a customer to Asprey.

The case back has a personal engraving to I.J. Thompson, in appreciation of 26 years of service with the Fairey Aviation Co Ltd, December 22nd 1949.

This is a mid-century, gold presentation watch. Some people enjoy the engravings due to the history. Others dislike them as they permanently brand a watch, rending it a typecast example.
We enjoy these presentation watches for what they represent and the importance of respect and appreciation between employers and employees. They are even better in our eyes, when they embody collaboration between important British firms such as this. We see the gold presentation watch as forming a very important part of wristwatch history in Britain up until the tradition died out in the 1980s - £650

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1947-asprey-fairey-aviation-9ct-gold-cushion-case-watch-marc-favre-movement-box

The beauty of a Fears Custom watch. Based on the Brunswick 38 Salmon, but featuring a rich “Blood Red” dial with brushed finishing. The dramatic raised Arabic numerals are coated in Rhodium. The mix of textures and tones create a refined dial, which provides intrigue to the wearer.

1 of 2, this custom watch was originally designed by the well respected watch industry figure

I must extended my gratitude to my good friend .watches, for allowing us the opportunity to find a new custodian for this special watch.

Coming to the market soon

Excited to announce Ellatrix will be at the Antique and Vintage Fair at the Ashton Court Mansion House this Sunday!

Catch us there, alongside Bold Timepieces ✨

Bold Timepieces will be showcasing our selection of watches & pocket watches at Ashton Court Mansion, on Sunday 7th April.

This is always a popular and bustling event, held within a beautiful setting.

Over 40 stalls of antique, vintage & retro collectables including - Watches, Clocks, Pocket Watches, Jewellery, Vintage clothes, Glassware, China, Silver, Furniture, Paintings and much more!

All indoors so don’t worry if it’s a rainy day, spend your day hunting for a treasure. Held within the mansion, the stalls and nestled in Georgian Lounges and the grand music hall!

The cafe will serve drinks, snacks, cakes and cream teas. £2 entry with under 16s free.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Gracing the gram with a bit of American mid century class. Here we have a 1940s Gruen Curvex Precision. It has a less common black and diamond dial, with a 14k yellow gold case. It has the classic curving associated with the Curvex name. It has a facetted design, tapering towards the lugs. Inside it has the curved, calibre 460 movement, which has been recently serviced.

The case measures 22mm x 26mm. It is a petite gents watch, with the focus placed on the stylistic design. It has a decent lug-to-lug presence, with a measurement of 35.5mm. This lug length is created via the curving nature of the watch. The watch creates intrigue on the wrist, with its facetted design to the sides of the case.

The black dial has luxurious gold signing with a square outer minute track and sub-second dial. It is signed ‘Gruen Curvex’ in the classic font. It is marked ‘Precision’ above the sub-second dial. The sub-second hand sits within an inset circle to the centre of the square surround. The hour markers are eyecatching, with raised, applied Pyramid markers in a gold tone. There is also the beautiful inclusion of a diamond marker at 9, 12 and 3, creating a wonderful touch of class, which catches the eye.

To the rear, the case is brushed, which has polished with wear. It has the Gruen signing and is marked ‘WB 14K’. It has the serial number 301055. Inside it is marked as being cased and times in U.S.A. by Gruen Watch Co. It is once again marked 14k gold, with the case made by WB.

Inside is the manual wind Gruen cal 460. It is a manual wind movement, with a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. The Curvex is famous for its curved movement, which allows the case shape, a real genius piece of design.
The movement has been recently serviced by ourselves and is keeping time to within +20 seconds deviation a day.

Available now - £1000

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1940s-gruen-curvex-precision-14k-gold-cased-watch-with-black-diamond-dial

Available now - 1940s Record pocket watch British Rail Midlands Issue BR (M) Record 431 movement - £425

For sale we have a 1940s Record Pocket watch, issued to British Rail Midlands division. It is an open face pocket watch with a coin edge screw front and rear. The case is formed of nickel and is a large size at 58mm. It has a beautiful glass with bevelled edge and a perfect original enamel dial with Roman Numerals. The thermally blued spade and whip hands are large and well-designed. To the rear, it has the BR (M) signing, with the issue number 18901. The back unscrews and inside it is signed “Pure Nickel”. It has a 15-jewel manual wind Record calibre 431 movement. It is a good quality Swiss lever movement which is keeping time to within +30 seconds a day.

The British railways always had a need for reliable time keeping on the move. The invention of the rail was a big driver for the mass manufacture of pocket watches, particularly in the US and the UK. Without accurate timekeeping, chaos would ensure, with an unreliable schedule and a risk to life.

They had pocket watches manufactured an issued specifically for use on the Railways, from the late 1800s. This example is from the 1940s from its design and issue number. It will have been used by either a station master or a guard.


https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1940s-record-pocket-watch-british-rail-midlands-issue-br-m-record-431

Sometimes a watch and its maker are so good, you need to dedicate an article to them.

We have an outstanding, rare and early example of a piece of horological art. This is a circa 1915 Hy Moser & Cie 18ct gold tonneau watch. It pre-dates Art Deco design, but begins to show the adventurous nature of modern design that spilled into this period.

It is available on the website now.

Check out our article here:

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/post/a-deep-dive-into-hy-moser-cie-featuring-a-special-piece-by-moser

New Fears Heritage piece - One for the ladies!
Available now - 1940s Fears Bristol ladies watch, gold sector dial foil numerals box & papers - £599

For sale we have a 1940s Fears ladies watch with a 17.5mm chrome plated case, a manual wind movement and stand out gold tone sector dial, with gold foil numerals.

This watch is petite, measuring 17.5mm x 21mm, making this more suited to an evening wear watch.

It has a chrome plated case, which is an angular tonneau shape. The top of the case is curved towards the lugs, with a bevelled finish to the sides which catches the light. It has the flat polished sides, with a bevel to the underside, leading into the flat brushed finish to the back. It is engraved with the serial number and the reference number. It has fixed bar lugs which mean the handmade strap is sewn on. It has a well-proportioned crown, for ease of use.

The dial is a rich gold tone, with a subtle satin brushed finish to the centre. It is of sector design, with gold foil numerals to the exterior. It is a simple, yet well executed dial which is a joy to view. The dial is simply signed “Fears” below 12 O’clock. It has gold tone leaf style hands to indicate the time.

The watch is presented on a custom made, pigskin strap, which is sewn on to the lugs. This was made especially for this watch.

The movement is by well-known Swiss manufacturer Fabrique d’Horlogerie Fontainemelon (FHF). Their movements also featured in Tudor watches into the 1950s. It is a calibre 190 movement, which is manual wind, with 15 jewels and a power reserve of 40 hours.
It is working well after its Fears Heritage service and is guaranteed for a year giving you peace of mind.

This lovely little example comes nestled in an official Fears box, in “Fears Bristol Blue” with cream interior. Upon opening, you will be greeted by a Fears owner club card, with a heritage inspired Edwin Fear cleaning cloth.
In addition there is an extract from the Fears archive, detailing the specifics of this example, hand signed by 4th Managing Director, Nicholas Bowman-Scargill.

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1940s-fears-bristol-ladies-watch-gold-sector-dial-foil-numerals-box-papers

Live on the site - Antique 1900s Dimier Freres & Co Silver left-handed trench watch enamel dial, with Roman numerals - £500

For sale we have a charming little example of a late 1900s – early 1910s trench watch in a Sterling Silver case, by Dimier Freres & Cie. It is an example of early wrist watch design, with its fixed lugs and early leather strap. It is also unusual as it is an original left-handed design, with the crown on the opposite side.
It has a petite silver case, with hinged open face front and a hinged case back. The centre has fixed lugs which secure the watch to a strap. The enamel dial is very good, with black roman numerals and red 12. It has its originally, thermally blued spade and whip style hands. Inside the case back, the hallmarking has sadly rubbed, which means it is not possible to tie down an exact year. Inside it has a 15 jewel manual wind movement marked DF&C, which is in good condition and is functioning well. It is keeping time to within 1 minute a day.
It is presented on a potentially original strap, with a E J Pearson & Sons Sterling Silver buckle.

Left-handed trench style watches had obvious uses for 10% of the population. So that the watch could still be worn on the non-dominant wrist, with the benefits of ease of protection, ease of operation and the ability to buckle up using the dominant hand. Fitting with the 10% prevalence of lefties, examples are not very common. This is despite being offered by some pioneering brands such as Omega and Dimier Freres and cie.

The combination of it being an early registered design, left-handed and having the E J Pearson & Sons buckle, makes this an interesting and good example.

Read more on this interesting piece:
https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1900s-dimier-freres-co-silver-left-handed-trench-watch-enamel-dial

Live on the site - 2012 Rolex Submariner Bi-metal Ref 116613LN Box & papers original stickers - £11,500

For sale we have an excellent one owner from new, example of a 2012 Rolex Submariner Bi-metal ref 116613LN. It has a 40mm stainless steel case, with 18ct gold crown, uni-directional bezel and centre links to the bracelet. It has the jet black Chromalight luminous dial with matching scratchproof Cerachrom bezel insert. It is water resistant to 300m, with screwdown crown. It has the famed sapphire crystal with cyclops date magnifier. The bracelet has the Rolex signed Flip-lock clasp with Glidelock adjustment. These mix of features blend to add a touch of elegance to this functional sports model. It has the calibre 3135 movement which is keeping perfect time, with a one second variation a day.

It comes with its original inner and outer box, all booklets, tags, signed guarantee card and original stickering still attached.

It was purchased new from Crouch The Jewellers in Cardiff on the 22/05/2012. It has been worn a handful of times on special occassions by its previous owner, before being stored.

My personal opinion is that this is a beautiful variation with its black dial, black ceramic bezel and flashes of gold. It possesses more subtlety than the blue dial bi-metal variation.

With a current retail of £13,750 on the reference 126613LN, we consider this to be an interesting alternative, taking into account its exceptional condition.

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/2012-rolex-submariner-bi-metal-ref-116613ln-box-papers-original-stickers

Live on the site - 1980s Le Cheminant Steel 37mm 200m Diver, Heuer brevet 503305 ref 009-66 - £550

For sale we have a great example of a 1980s Le Cheminant Stainless Steel 200m divers watch. The case is 37mm wide without crown guard, with it also having a very slim profile at 8mm deep. This makes it a very neat wear. It has a Heuer patented case design, Brevet 503305. It is an interesting example of component sharing in the watch making industry. Tag Heuer seemingly provided watches very similar to their 1000 series divers watches, to other brands for their own retail.
It has an intriguing matte finish anthracite tone bezel and dial, with Mercedes style hands with the aged Tritium lume, whilst the dial has aged Tritium arrow hour markers. It also has an unusual mix of Arabic numerals and 24-hour scale inside. There is a date function at 3 O’clock. Inside is the period ETA 955.114 movement which has been refurbished.
It is presented on an its original stainless-steel bracelet with divers extension.

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1980s-le-cheminant-steel-37mm-200m-diver-heuer-brevet-503305-ref-009-66

Live on the site - 1923 Art Deco Omega Parsons Ltd Bristol retailed Pocket watch cal 40.6L serviced - £500

For sale we have a beautiful Art Deco Antique circa 1923 Omega pocket watch. It was retailed by Parsons Ltd Bristol, which is visible with the double signing on the dial. It is of an open face design, with a double hinged case back. It measures 49mm in diameter. It has a white enamel dial with attractive Art Deco stylised Arabic numerals. It also has a design of hands that I have not come across before, which have an excellent thermally blued finish. It has a chrome plated Omega case, which is signed Omega to the inside. The movement is a manually wound calibre 40.6L calibre, which has been recently serviced.

Parson’s jewellers, now known as Foxhills Jewellers are Britains oldest jewellers. They began under the name George Edgecumbe, when he opened in a Tudor building in Old Market in Bristol. In 1825 John and Nathanial Edgecumbe began working as clockmakers, under the name J & E Edgecumbe. In 1868, John married Elizabeth Parsons, with their son George, helping the business branch out into jewellery. A second shop opened in 1868. In 1992 Edwards Parsons, the seventh generation to run the store, died leaving his widow Freda in charge. As they did not have any heirs, the business was sold seven years later, to Paul Davis, who was a family friend. When he sold in 2014, the business moved to Thornbury high street and in 2020, was re-branded to Foxhills.

https://www.boldtimepieces.co.uk/product-page/1923-art-deco-omega-parsons-ltd-bristol-retailed-pocket-watch-cal-40-6l-serviced

Live on the site - 2015 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15710ST.OO.A002CA.01 - £12,500

For sale we have a 2015 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, reference 15710ST.OO.A002CA.01. It is watch only, with no box or paperwork. It has the original purchase invoice from the Portuguese Boutique Dos Relogios, Plus Quinta do Lago.

Audemars Piguets watches are admired universally for their complexity, finesse and ex*****on of Haute Horlogerie. The Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet is one of the most recognised and finest horological creations ever. It is immediately recognisable for its mix of brushed and polished finishing, with its octagonal bezel and eight hexagonal screws.

The Royal Oak Offshore came 21 years after the release of the Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ in 1972. On release, it was criticised for being large, heavy and un-conventional. The legendary Gerald Genta was also unhappy being associated with the new design.

Yet this bold design was the correct decision, intersecting with a new generation of clients, who wanted something rugged and sporty. These younger customers swarmed the Offshore, which fit the trend for larger watches. This yearning for large watches has somewhat subsided, yet the Offshore remains one of Audemars Piguets most popular and well-recognised models.

The Offshore Diver has a 42mm Stainless Steel case, with a water resistance of 300 meters. It has the traditional Octagonal bezel surrounding the ‘Mega Tapisserie’ textured dial, with the white luminous indexes, edged in polished white gold with matching hands and date window at 3 O’clock. It comes on the sporty and comfortable Audemars Piguet Black rubber strap, with Steel AP buckle.
This reference has the exhibition case back, which allows you to admire the beauty of the calibre 3120 movement, with the 22ct gold engraved automatic rotor.