Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Baricchello Chronograph
Since 1993, Brazilian champion Rubens Barrichello has been competing successfully on Formula One race tracks. In 2005, the Manufacture chose to associate with this exceptional driver by inviting him to join the brand's team of prestigious ambassadors. In tribute to this sportsman of the extreme, Audemars Piguet has created the Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello chronograph.
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Elegance and performances
Ranked five times among the five first in the world championship, including two vice-championships titles in 2002 and 2004, Ruben Barrichello's track record demonstrates a constant quest for performance and a genuinely daring spirit. These two values are celebrated by the Manufacture Audemars Piguet in all its creations, as in this chronograph featuring a design and a choice of materials inspired by the world of Formula One.
Issued in a limited series of 1,650 and interpreted in three versions, this timepiece is part of the Royal Oak Offshore line, designed to face up to even the most extreme conditions. While preserving the spirit of elegance inherent to the legendary octagonal watch, it combines impressive horological performances, outstanding reliability and guaranteed water resistance.
Cutting-edge materials
Three versions, three cases crafted from three different materials: the first is in 950 platinum, the second in 18-carat pink gold, while the third is in grade 5 titanium, a stainless, light and extremely resistant metal that the Manufacture has borrowed from motor sport. This material is also characterised by low thermal conductivity, meaning it does not drain heat from the skin, while its excellent chemical stability makes it hypo-allergenic.
Due to its mechanical properties, Audemars Piguet has selected ultra-resistant "anti-shock" technical ceramics for the bezel, pushbuttons and crown of this model, representing another major innovation.
All these materials require particularly delicate treatment and call upon the know-how of the engineers, technicians and watchmakers of the Manufacture.
The world of Formula One
In harmony with the spirit of the legendary Royal Oak, the octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello chronograph is adorned with eight screws, which in this version resemble engine screws. Also reflecting the Formula One theme, the bezel joint is reminiscent of a ventilated brake disc, the crown looks like a gearing part, while the pushpieces echo the shape of an air extractor.
This understatedly elegant chronograph features a dial sporting the "Méga Tapisserie Racing" motif in a range of midnight blue, white or black versions. Partially openworked to reveal the movement, it displays three counters (at 6, 9 and 12 o'clock) and a date window at 3 o'clock. The gold hands and riveted hour-markers are luminescent.
Ultimate touches of refinement
Fitted with an AP folding clasp, the strap of the Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello is crafted in "anfibio" leather with double reinforced stitching and alcantara lining, in a colour matching that of the dial: black with grey stitching for the titanium version, and black with stitching in a matching shade for the pink gold version. Meanwhile, the platinum model is teamed with a crocodile leather strap in a midnight blue colour highlighted by its blue stitching.
In a final nod to the world of Formula 1, the case-back, which resembles a three-dimensional medallion, depicts the wheel of a racing car with a central part bearing the personal logo of Rubens Barrichello.
This highly refined watch comes in a dedicated presentation box.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
References
26078RO.OO.D001VS.01
18-carat pink gold case, white dial, black counters, black leather strap
Limited series of 500
26078IO.OO.D001VS.01
Grade 5 titanium case, black dial, silvered counters, black leather strap
Limited series of 1'000
26078PO.OO.D018CR.01
950 platinum case, blue dial, silvered counters, blue crocodile leather strap
Limited series of 150
Movement
Calibre: 2326/2840, selfwinding
Diameter: 26 mm (111/2 lignes)
Thickness: 6.15 mm
54 jewels
370 parts
Up to 38-hour power reserve
Cadence of the balance: 28,800 vibrations per hour
Finishing: all parts decorated by hand; mainplate rhodium-plated, bevelled and circular-grained; bridges adorned with decorative "Côtes de Genève" motif
Case
18-carat pink gold, grade 5 titanium or 950 platinum
Diameter: 42 mm
Ceramic bezel and push-buttons
3D wheel-shaped medallion bearing the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition Rubens Barrichello and adorned with the Rubens Barrichello logo.
Water resistance: 100 m
Dials
White, black or midnight blue adorned with the "Méga Tapisserie Racing" motif and partly openworked
Luminescent gold hands and riveted hour-markers
In the titanium version: counter hands in the colours of the Brazilian flag (green, yellow and blue)
Strap
"Anfibio" leather for the titanium and pink gold versions, crocodile leather with large square scales for the platinum version, double reinforced stitching and alcantara lining.
Exclusive AP folding clasp
Functions
Hours and minutes
Small seconds
Chronograph with sweep seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters
Tachometric ring
Date
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