The 2018 SIHH will take place in less than two months’ time, and watchmakers are announcing their pre-SIHH watches in an attempt to gain the attention of watch enthusiasts across the globe. Audemars Piguet, for example, is introducing new versions of its Royal Oak Offshore, as well as a new Millenary line.

The Royal Oak Offshore was first launched in 1993. For next year’s 25th anniversary the watchmaker is releasing a re-edition of the original Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph in celebration. After all, over 120 references have been released based on the original model and it has become the most recognised AP collection. Most of the features on the re-edition strictly follow the original, including the steel case and bracelet, blue dial with “Petite Tapisserie” and the distinctive blue rubber pushers for the chronograph. The caseback is engraved with the words “Royal Oak Offshore” and “Automatic”.

In addition, the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph features a new dial design in the aesthetic style of contemporary architecture. The pushpieces and crown are made of black ceramic instead of rubber and metal as commonly found in other references of the collection. The in-house calibre 2947 is also brand new and specially designed for the 25th anniversary. Paired with black rubber strap, the tourbillon chronograph is available in stainless steel or 18-carat pink gold, each limited to 50 pieces.

The Millenary watch was first created in 1995 and the latest women’s Millenary collection was launched in 2015. While the movement and dial design remain the same, the new version features a Milanese bracelet with polished finishing in 18k white or pink gold. A new version featuring an opal dial and frosted gold finishing, which is a first for the collection, is also being launched, as well as a new line of straps with different textures, patterns and colours for pairing.