VIDEO BLOG: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Bumblebee”

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is a highly evolved beast.

As a landmark AP model and a choice specimen among the now innumerable Royal Oak Offshore sub species, the Forged Carbon Ref. 26176FO.OO.D101CR.02, better known as the “Bumblebee,” combines many of the Offshore line’s best running refinements and upgrades in a boldly styled package that has been hailed as an instant classic.

As a 2009 model year debut, the ‘Bee became the platform for Audemars Piguet’s regular production roll-out of Forged Carbon case technology. Although the 2007 Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team limited edition retains the honor as the first Forged Carbon Offshore, the Bumblebee is the model that made carbon an AP signature.

On top, a rock-like ceramic bezel helps the ‘bee maintain its good looks in the face of scuffs and knocks.

The Forged Carbon material consists of a multi-directional carbon composite that is mixed with resin, compressed under extreme pressure to evacuate air bubbles and excess resin, and heat-cycled to cure the matrix.

Due to the fact that actual carbon strands comprise the body of each Forged Carbon case, no two ever will set and cure with the same external pattern of fibers and highlights. Each Forged Carbon Offshore is a unique piece.

This Forged Carbon Royal Oak Offshore “Bumblebee” chronograph is available from watchuwant.com with a comprehensive set of dealer documentation, technical manuals, and the original boxes.