Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 Review
Few watches have such a bold and unique identity as the Royal Oak Offshore. A trend-setting watch born in the 1990s and aimed at a younger audience is now even more futuristic in the 43mm redesigned case. We are reviewing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 in forest green and black ceramic, a true masterpiece.
First Impressions
I visited the local AP house without looking for a specific watch but to check what was available a few years after the "old sold out" market hype for anything Audemars. I had the chance to try a few Code 11.59 watches—which could be seen as charming in their own right—but also a few Royal Oak Offshores that were available for purchase. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 caught my eye immediately as the black ceramic case combined with the forest dark green makes the watch appear more understated and somehow smaller. I loved the look and, comparing it with the 42mm, it appears more comfortable thanks to the new case construction that is slightly curved and fits better on the wrist. The all-ceramic chronograph pushers remind me of the construction of the AP concept watches—so much more futuristic than the historic 42mm.
Big but Light and Comfortable
Without doubt, the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore is a big watch but very wearable. The case is 14.4mm thick versus 15.3mm of the 42mm. The difference is minimal but is amplified by the totally new case construction which is, in my view, the most comfortable of any Offshore. The 43mm Offshore version debuted in 2021. This was the first major redesign since the 44mm case introduced in the early 2000s.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 in dark green and black ceramic is the latest 2025 release with a fully ceramic case that makes it much lighter. The bezel and back of the case are in titanium, keeping the watch light and comfortable.
New Movement – Calibre 4401
In the past, the Royal Oak Offshore had a modular, small, and non-in-house movement. Since the relaunch in 2021—the first major relaunch since the early 2000s—it now features a fully in-house movement: calibre 4401, a column-wheel flyback chronograph. It has a 70-hour power reserve.
Other improvements of the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore include:
- The "Méga Tapisserie" pattern was refined to have a more 3D look with deeper grooves.
- Chronograph subdials were repositioned (minutes at 9, hours at 3, small seconds at 6).
- The date window was moved closer to the edge of the dial.
- A streamlined applied "AP" logo replaced the full Audemars Piguet signature.
Is It a Sport or Business Watch?
In short: both. The new, simple strap exchange system allows you to wear the watch with different straps. The Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 comes with a green fabric-textured leather strap (similar to the ones used in the Code 11.59) which has a very business-smart look. Given the black and dark green combination, it works very well with a suit. Swap it for the black rubber strap that is included, and it is ready for your holidays.
Audemars Piguet AP House Experience
Since a few years ago, you can buy Audemars Piguet watches only directly from their managed AP houses or boutiques. This is a trend which has been followed by many brands in recent years. For AP fans, this was particularly painful as, in many cases, the wait for more popular models like the Royal Oak is measured in years. Combine this with a sometimes inquisitive vetting process, and many watch influencers left the brand. My experience has been different: I think that now the watch "boom" has settled down and many models, particularly Royal Oak Offshores, might be available for purchase immediately or with a short waiting time.
The AP house in my city is just amazing and the personnel were always very cordial. I was happy to try several variations of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, including the Ref. 26420CE.OO.A127CR.01 (black ceramic and yellow gold), which was also stunning, but eventually I think the green/black combination of the Ref. 26420CE.OO.A063VE.01 I bought is more versatile and cool.
Conclusions
I honestly think that the 43mm Royal Oak Offshore, with the newly redesigned case and in-house movement, is the most comfortable Offshore and perhaps the nicest model in the AP lineup (besides the concept Spiderman, which I think was just amazing). Yes, it is bold—unapologetically so—but it gives a sparkle to your daily routine and makes you smile when you glance at your wrist. So yes, for me it is highly recommended as the best AP to get right now.
Pros & Cons – A Balanced Verdict
Pros
- Distinctive Green-Black Dial: A fresh color story that stands out without shouting.
- Comfortable 43mm Case: Larger presence with a surprisingly lightweight feel.
- In-house calibre 4401 flyback column-wheel chronograph with a generous 70-hour power reserve.
- Build Quality: Absolutely perfect. AP ceramic cases are just stunning.
Cons
- Availability: Might not be available immediately.
- Size: 43mm might not suit everyone.
- Color scheme in this combination might not be for everyone (if you don't like green).
