Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Vampire 42mm 2017 [Preowned]

Overview 

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26470ST is one of the most aggressive and visually arresting iterations of the modern Offshore family. Introduced as part of the evolved 42mm generation, it quickly earned the "Vampire" moniker from the collector community for its high-contrast noir-and-crimson palette. While the Royal Oak is defined by its sport-classic elegance, the Offshore "Vampire" leans into the "Beast" persona—a muscular, architectural evolution of Gérald Genta’s original 1972 design, recalibrated for the 21st century.

The 42mm stainless steel case retains the iconic octagonal silhouette, but with the added mass and "industrial" grit synonymous with the Offshore line. In a significant material upgrade for this generation, the crown and chronograph pushers are crafted from black ceramic, replacing the rubber-clad components of earlier references. This not only provides a sharp tonal contrast against the brushed steel but offers near-total resistance to scratches and wear on the watch's most-handled tactile points.

The dial features the signature “Méga Tapisserie” pattern—the oversized, structural guilloché that defines the Offshore aesthetic. The deep obsidian backdrop provides a dramatic stage for the vivid red accents on the chronograph hands, tachymeter scale, and inner minute track. This "bleeding" of color against the black tapestry gives the watch its cinematic tension and nocturnal character. The Arabic numerals are applied in white gold and filled with luminescence, ensuring that despite its dark theme, the "Vampire" remains a highly legible precision instrument.

Under the hood beats the Manufacture Calibre 3126/3840, an automatic chronograph movement comprised of 365 parts. Unlike the closed casebacks of the 1990s, the 26470ST features a sapphire crystal exhibition back, revealing the 22k gold oscillating weight (monogrammed with the AP crest) and the circular-grained bridges. The watch is perfectly paired with a "Hornback" style black alligator strap with red contrast stitching (or a matching black-and-red rubber strap), completing a look that is unapologetically bold. With its 100-meter water resistance and unmistakable silhouette, the "Vampire" is a masterclass in combining high-horology finishing with a rebel spirit.

Specifications

Condition

Preowned, Excellent Condition, Complete Original Set with Box and Papers. Papers dated October 2017.

Warranty

12 months warranty from SCW

Further Insight from Our Specialist Team

Read our Full Review here : Patek Philippe vs. Audemars Piguet: The Ultimate Swiss Watch Showdown

Watch our Video Review Here :