Royal Oak Offshore Chrono 42mm Bumble Bee Carbon

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 26176FO.OO.D101CR.03—nicknamed "Bumble Bee" for its distinctive black and yellow color scheme—represents AP's first successful incorporation of forged carbon into the Offshore collection. Our materials specialists have observed increasing collector interest in these early carbon models, as they represent genuine material innovation rather than merely aesthetic variation. Released in the early 2010s, this reference helped establish AP's reputation for incorporating aerospace-derived materials into haute horlogerie.

Technical specifications highlight its innovative construction: The 42mm case utilizes forged carbon fiber—a material created through compression of carbon fibers at extreme pressure and temperature, resulting in a unique marbled appearance where each case displays individual patterns. The self-winding chronograph calibre features 28,800 vibrations per hour, approximately 40 hours of power reserve, and chronograph registers positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. Additional technical elements include a ceramic bezel and pushpiece guards for enhanced scratch resistance, exhibition caseback revealing movement decoration, 100m water resistance, and a black leather strap with yellow contrast stitching complementing the dial accents.

Master Luxury presents this excellent condition example with original box and papers dated June 2013. Our experts have verified that the chronograph functions operate to factory specifications, with proper reset alignment and optimal pusher resistance. The yellow dial elements show no signs of fading, which can affect some examples over time, particularly when exposed to strong sunlight. This reference offers historical significance, excellent wearability at 42mm, and a distinctive design language that exemplifies the experimental spirit of the Offshore collection—the perfect entry point into AP's carbon lineup.