The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26238ST.OO.2000ST.01, affectionately known as “The Beast,” is a contemporary tribute to the original 1993 model that pioneered the oversized luxury sports watch category. This timepiece features a robust 42mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 15.3mm, maintaining the collection’s signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. The blue dial is decorated with the classic Petite Tapisserie pattern and features white gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. The watch is protected by a glare-proof sapphire crystal and caseback, and it is equipped with blue rubber-coated pushpieces and a screw-locked crown, ensuring a water resistance of 100 meters.
Mechanically, the watch is powered by the in-house self-winding Calibre 4404, which consists of 433 parts and 40 jewels. This movement offers a sophisticated flyback chronograph complication, allowing the wearer to reset and restart the timer with a single press, alongside standard hours, minutes, small seconds, and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a substantial 70-hour power reserve. It is traditionally paired with an integrated stainless steel bracelet featuring an AP folding clasp and includes a modern interchangeable strap system, typically supplied with an additional blue rubber strap for versatility.
General reviews of this reference often praise its faithful adherence to the original “Beast” aesthetic while incorporating significant modern upgrades in movement and build quality. Enthusiasts frequently highlight the refined finishing of the Petite Tapisserie dial and the impressive performance of the integrated flyback chronograph. While the watch’s substantial weight and chunky profile are hallmarks of the Offshore line, some critics find the steel bracelet heavy and prefer the comfort of the rubber strap. The inclusion of the quick-change system is widely regarded as a practical improvement that enhances the watch’s versatility as both a formal and sporty timepiece.