The name Audemars Piguet conjures up images of luxury and quality and for good reason. The timepieces produced by the esteemed Swiss company are that of the highest order, and certainly a collectors item for the rich and famous. In this review we will be looking at the particular Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix ref. 26290.

There is no doubt in my mind that this timepiece is special, and that it will certainly make a statement anywhere you go. The watch is a classic example of AP using unique and innovative materials, with the Grand Prix being made from a single piece of forged Carbon and Ceramic.

The timepiece is a symbol of the close relationship between watchmaking, automobiles and racing, and the desire and passion all industries have to perform, succeed, develop and excel. Nonetheless, the watch can’t help but point out subtle images from a car – the sub-dials evoke dashboard instruments, the crown a gear, bezel as the ventilated brake disc and the forged carbon cross ceramic case as a race car body kit.

The watch is said to be so light that you can forget it is on your wrist, and being made from carbon and ceramic it would certainly be lighter than say gold or platinum. This timepiece is considered by many watch experts and collectors as a unique watch, simply because the all forged carbon pieces have their own unique character and finish, typical of handmade goods.

This watch comes with a case made out of forged carbon fibres and a bezel made of forged carbon and black ceramic with eight titanium AP signature hex-head screws fastening the bezel to the case and a sapphire crystal case back. The Grand Prix houses the Audemars Piguet Caliber 3126/3840, automatic self-winding mechanical movement, composed of 365 parts and has a power reserve of 60 hours.

The strap on the Grand Prix is as unique as the watch itself. The Audemars Piguet strap is made from black calfskin and red alcantara, hand sewn with red alcantara inserts and edges. The strap exudes class, whilst also proving to be comfortable and beautiful at the same time.

The crown is black titanium with the idealistic logo in red, the chronograph pushers are also made of titanium and black ceramic, seemingly tying together the overall look of this watch. The watch display and case back is sapphire crystal.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Limited Edition pieces are available in Rose Gold and Forged Carbon, and are limited to just 650 and 1750 pieces respectively. The watch is an absolute marvel of watchmaking precision and looks, and can be worn in dressier and casual surroundings. For me, the watch confirms and highlights Audemars Piguet status as one companies in the ‘Holy Trinity of Watchmaking’.