Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2012

Audemars Piguet have created a new Royal Oak Offshore model to honor their role of official timekeeper for the Tour Auto Vintage Car Rally – and it looks superb in the National colors of France where the event is held each year.

Only 150 pieces will be made – limited, yes – but not unattainable, unlike some previous special editions which use ceramic/carbon fiber/titanium/platinum/cermet (ceramic + metal)/gold….. this one is made from good ol’ steel, brushed to remove the shine, apart from on the bezel edges which remain polished.

A few details set Offshore models apart – this one has poke-out pushers, not the flat “F1″ inspired types, this one has numerals, not markers, this one is understated (– can an Offshore be thus described?) and not showy like perhaps the Grand Prix Collection pieces are.

Inside the Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2012 is the self-winding Caliber 3126/3840 with a power reserve of 60 hours.  The case is 42mm across ( but will still wear big) and the piece comes presented on a rather dapper gnarly blue horn back alligator strap.