This is an interesting limited edition watch that combines everything I like about diving themed watches and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak lines of watches. Bearing the name of “Wempe,” a line of luxury watch stores strategically placed all over the world, this limited edition of 175 watches is rare and very cool. This watch was created in honor of Wempe’s 100th anniversary. The iconic eight sided octagonal Royal Oak watch bezel was never the type of design that was good for a rotating bezel – so Audemars Piguet inserted an internal bezel that resolved the problem of not having a round bezel. The internal uni-directionally rotating bezel is operated via the crown positioned at 10 o’clock. The case is 44mm wide and steel. A rose gold version was also available, but was not as good a value costing 2-3 times the price of this version. I also feel that this is one of the purest modern versions of the Royal Oak watch based on the original Gerald Genta design classic from the 1970s. There is a lot of similarity between this watch and the Patek Philippe Aquanaut. This is to be expected as the Aquanaut is based on the Patek Philippe Nautilus – which was also designed by Gerald Genta in the 1970s.
The raised tile dial pattern has always looked good, and the simple rounded baton hands never looked more appropriate on a watch. Flip the watch over and check out the pirate ship engraved on the caseback. Well, maybe it isn’t necessarily a pirate ship, it could just be a European galleon, but it sure could be a pirate ship, and with this watch you’ll likely be feeling like you could man such a ship (at least I would). As this is a luxury watch the quality and finish is always top notch. Inside is an in-house Audemars Piguet calibre 2325 automatic mechanical movement. The date window utilizes a internal magnifier window as to keep the top of the sapphire crystal flat. The thick rubber strap has a matching Audemars Piguet signed deployment.
Although the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Wempe Scuba watch is sold out, though there is one available on Jameslist.com right now. The original price was about 20,000 Euros with a current price of about 11,000 Euros. This is a solid price for this beautiful diving watch from one of the most exclusive watch makers of today.
See this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak OffShore Scuba Wempe Ref. 15340ST.OO.D002CA.01 watch on JamesList.com here.