Extract: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor

Originally introduced in November 2008 (circa 2008), the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Survivor" has an unmistakable design with its super aggressive crown and pusher guards and all-black color scheme. It comes in a 42 mm x 15.65 mm black titanium case, which is not huge until you add the guards. The Survivor came at a time when big bold timepieces were in style.

Inside, is an automatic in-house chronograph caliber 3126/3840 which has 59 jewels, 365 parts, a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz), and a power reserve of 60-hours. The 3126 uses a variable-inertia balance with eight inertia blocks and flat spring. All parts are have been decorated, including rhodium-plating on the manipulate and bridges, beveled edges on the bridge, perlage on the mainplate, and bridges adorned with the "Cotes De Geneve" motif.

The functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, date, and a chronograph with central sweep seconds hand, 30-minute counter, and 12-hour, plus a tachometric scale around the flange.

The dial is matte black with an exclusive "Mega Tapisserie" guilloche motif, snailed hour-circle, luminescent skeleton, hour and minute hands, and luminescent applied hour-markers. Medallion back in blackened titanium with a non-slip motif, titanium engraved with the inscription "Royal Oak Offshore Survivor- Limited Edition."

The bezel is in black ceramic with vertical stripes. Each version came with a vulcanized rubber strap with chequered motifs and an oversized buckle in blackened titanium (shown with a black alligator strap). Water-resistant 100 meters. Limited edition 1,000 pieces. Original retail $45,000. (Ref. 2616510.00A002CA.01)