The Royal Oak Offshore by Audemars Piguet came 21 years after the release of the original "Jumbo" in 1972. Just like the original, the Offshore was roundly criticised upon its release for being too large, too heavy, and too unusual. Even the original Royal Oak's designer, Gerald Genta, was unhappy with being associated with the new design.

However, the bold design came at just the right time for the new generation of potential clients, who at the time were craving something less traditional. Younger customers flocked towards the Offshore, which reflected a trend of larger and more aggressive designs in watchmaking. Today, while that trend towards bigger watches has somewhat subsided, the Offshore remains one of Audemars Piguet's most popular and well-recognised models.

AUDEMARS PIGUET

Audemars Piguet was founded in Le Brassus in 1875, a rural part of Switzerland. The company became famous for making high complications, with the myriad complicated pocket watches in its museum being testament to its expertise. The company went from strength to strength, producing the world's first skeletonised wristwatch in 1934 and the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with a leap year indicator (allowing for user adjustment) in 1955.

By the late 1960s and early 70s, however, the company was beginning to lag behind in terms of innovations. To sidestep the atrophy that would go on to destroy so many other watchmakers, Audemars Piguet decided to do something bold and released the Royal Oak.

Costing 10 times more than a Rolex Submariner did, the watch was unashamedly luxurious. This watch spawned a new genre of watchmaking, and revolutionised the idea of a luxury watch.