Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Singapore Grand Prix Chronograph, Limited Edition Of 250

To commemorate the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix--the first F1 race held in that country, and the only F1 event ever staged at night--Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has announced the creation of a special version of its wildly popular Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph.  

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Singapore Grand Prix Chronograph watch is distinguished by a number of special material and thematic elements.  Most notable is the central section of the case, which is wrought from forged carbon--the same high-tech material which Audemars Piguet has employed in its Royal Oak Offshore Team Alinghi Forged Carbon and Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon watches; as well as being functional, lightweight and extremely durable, the forged carbon material is a nod to the constructive elements of Formula 1 cars.  The famous octagonal Royal Oak bezel with its hexagonal screws is crafted from stainless steel and stands in distinct contrast to the rich black carbon middle case.  Also unique to this reference is a brilliant red "Mega Tapisserie" dial with contrasting black chronograph subdials and a slanted tachymeter flange.  The sporty color scheme is complimented by red rubber chronograph pushers, and contrasting red stitching and matching alcantara lining on the perforated leather strap.  To emphasize the significance of the Singapore F1 event and the exclusive nature of the limited edition, the caseback presents the image of a race car, along with the designations "Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition" and "Singapore GP 2008". 

The Audemars Piguet Offshore Chronograph "Singapore Grand Prix" utilizes the self-winding 3126/3840 caliber, a movement developed and manufactured by Audemars Piguet.  Comprised of 365 components, the 7.16mm-tall movement features a number of desirable elements, including a full balance bridge, a free-sprung Gyromax balance wheel, and a power reserve of over 60 hours.  Decorated with Cotes de Geneve and perlage, the Caliber 3126 features a massive central rotor in 22K gold, which winds the mainspring in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.  In addition to small seconds and chronograph 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, the caliber offers a rapidly adjustable date display.  

Just 250 numbered examples of this watch will be offered by Audemars Piguet.  Like other Offshore Chronographs, the "Singapore Grand Prix" is water resistant to 100 meters, and is fitted with a sapphire crystal.  A stainless steel folding clasp in the shape of the Audemars Piguet initials assures a comfortable and elegant union with the wrist.