Luxury Goes Rubber: A Closer Look At AP Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad Watch

Luxury watch brands have always been at the forefront of introducing new ways to appreciate that precious time-telling gem on your wrist. While innovation is heavily integrated in their DNA, very few still have mastered the art of perfectly combining creativity, aesthetics, techniques, and tradition. Audemars Piguet (AP) sets itself apart as a trailblazer in this category, evident in its consistency in bringing some of the world’s most innovative timepieces. A testament to this innate ingenuity is the AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph or The Rubberclad.

Revolution Watches goes in-depth on the Rubberclad and how this innovative piece reflects the unequalled status of AP as an innovative luxury watch brand.

AP needs no introduction when it comes to introducing innovation in haute horlogerie. The Le Brassus manufacture has earned the distinction of bringing a lot of firsts in the industry, including the first minute repeating wristwatch (1892), a jump-hour wristwatch (1921), a skeletonised pocket watch (1934), an ultra-thin perpetual calendar with central rotor (1978), a self-winding, ultra-thin tourbillon (1986), and a high-frequency chronometer with double-balance escapement (2009), among others.

It was, however, its innovative use of unheard of materials that sealed the fate of AP as an ingenious watch manufacture. A testament to this creative spirit was the introduction of the AP Royal Oak as the very first luxury sports watch to make use of stainless steel for the case material. While using stainless steel for watches was already in fashion (for tool watches, anyway), it wasn’t a common material to be used for a luxury watch. Coming out with an all-steel sports watch indeed sent the message across that AP was in the business of defying conventions.

Since then, AP would go on to experiment more unlikely materials for its timepieces, in an effort to introduce watch lovers to new and exciting ways to wear their luxury watches, and perhaps, to make a statement that ingenuity in utilising a bevy of materials is a true mark of a real innovator. An example of which was the use of black and white ceramic to give the Royal Oak the avant-garde treatment through the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon. The very same material was also used for the AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar that was launched early this year.

The same pattern of creativity has been displayed when AP launched Reference 25940 in 2002. More popularly known as the AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph or The Rubberclad, it was the first timepiece to make use of rubber as a primary component. Using the Royal Oak as a platform for such use of a unique material for a luxury watch seemed fitting for it was the iconic timepiece that started it all.

If there was one range that could be used as a playground for the use of rubber, it was not surprising that AP chose its Offshore line. After all, this was the very same collection that was launched to give the iconic Royal Oak a sportier look.

Indeed, nothing speaks sporty than the use of rubber as key component for a luxury sports watch. For the Rubberclad, AP decided to use rubber as a coating or cover for the bezel of the watch. The rubberised bezel can be seen in the AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in pink gold (reference 25940K and stainless steel (reference 25940SK). The Rubberclad has since taken many forms but only via limited editions under the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore lines.

The use of rubber for luxury sports watches is no longer surprising these days, but for AP, it was a symbol that reiterated its position in the industry as a leader of the innovative pack. Today, AP still uses rubberized bezels for some of its limited edition watches, and the use of such seems to be not going away anytime soon. Why should it when for AP, this very same watch brought it success and cemented its status as a premier innovative watch manufacture.

Apart from the rubber component, the AP Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad possesses special attributes that make it a classic, just like old-time favourites such as AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in yellow gold and the AP Royal Oak Extra Thin Jumbo.

For one, the Rubberclad sports the same “Mega Tapisserie” dial pattern as its Royal Oak relatives, highlighted by Arabic numerals and Royal Oak hands in white gold. In keeping with the rubber theme, it has a rubber strap that is made more elegant with a stainless steel folding clasp.

The Rubberclad is powered by calibre 2326/2840 movement, with a power reserve of up to 42 hours.

But what makes the AP Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad eye-catching is its hugeness, possessing a 42mm stainless steel case. This is indeed perfect for those who want to wear a large watch that combines both style and substance.

Indeed a feast to the eyes, no wonder the Rubberclad has captivated the hearts of watch lovers all over the globe, particularly Hollywood celebrities, like rapper Jay-Z, who has been spotted wearing a Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad.

If you’re one of those who value the importance of fusing beauty with innovation, then the AP Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad is definitely designed for you. To know more about the AP Royal Oak Rubberclad price, visit the Audemars Piguet website or one of its boutiques nearest you. Get up close and personal with other AP Royal Oak watches by checking out interesting features and videos on the Revolution Watch website.

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