Product Overview

The APS Factory Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 26420 combines a 43mm stainless-steel case with a blue ceramic bezel and a blue dial.

First of all, its large case and bold colour scheme create the powerful appearance associated with the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Meanwhile, three functional subdials record chronograph minutes, chronograph hours and normal running seconds.

In addition, the dial includes a date window at approximately 4:30. A natural rubber strap and stainless-steel pin buckle complete the sporty design.

Technical Specifications
Specification Details
Factory APS Factory
Collection Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
Reference 26420 / 26420SO.OO.A029VE.01
Case Diameter 43mm
Case Material Stainless steel
Bezel Blue ceramic bezel
Dial Colour Blue
Crystal Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Movement 4401-style automatic mechanical movement
Functions Hours, minutes, running seconds, chronograph and date
Chronograph Seconds Central chronograph seconds hand
30-Minute Counter Subdial at 9 o’clock
12-Hour Counter Subdial at 3 o’clock
Running Seconds Subdial at 6 o’clock
Date Display Positioned at approximately 4:30
Strap Natural rubber strap
Buckle Stainless-steel pin buckle
Water Resistance Factory-stated 100 metres; not independently verified
Quality Control Movement, chronograph and exterior inspection before shipment
Movement and Functions

APS Factory equips this watch with a 4401-style automatic mechanical movement. The movement controls the time, running seconds, date and chronograph functions.

Normally, wrist movement winds the watch automatically. However, if the watch has stopped, manually wind it approximately 20–30 turns before setting the time.

The central long seconds hand operates as the chronograph seconds hand. Therefore, it may remain stationary when the chronograph stays switched off. Meanwhile, the small-seconds hand at 6 o’clock continues moving during normal operation.

Chronograph Dial Layout
30-Minute Counter at 9 O’clock

The subdial on the left records elapsed chronograph minutes.

Each time the central chronograph seconds hand completes one full revolution, this counter advances by one minute. As a result, it can record up to 30 elapsed minutes.

12-Hour Counter at 3 O’clock

The subdial on the right records accumulated chronograph hours.

It works together with the central chronograph seconds hand and the 30-minute counter. Therefore, the complete chronograph system can measure longer periods of up to 12 hours.

Running Seconds at 6 O’clock

The lower subdial displays the normal running seconds.

Unlike the central chronograph seconds hand, this small hand continues moving while the mechanical movement operates. Consequently, you can use it to confirm that the watch is running.

Date Window at 4:30

The date window sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.

For example, the product image displays the number “3,” which represents the third day of the month.

Chronograph Controls
Upper Push-Piece at 2 O’clock

Press the upper push-piece once to start the chronograph. Then, press it again to stop or pause the timing operation.

Lower Push-Piece at 4 O’clock

After stopping the chronograph, press the lower push-piece to return the central chronograph seconds hand and both chronograph counters to zero.

However, do not press the reset button while the chronograph remains active unless QC has confirmed that the movement supports this operation.

Crown at 3 O’clock

Use the crown to wind the movement manually and adjust the time or date.

When making adjustments, turn the crown slowly. In addition, stop immediately if you feel unusual resistance.

Case and Dial

The 43mm stainless-steel case gives the watch a large and sporty wrist presence. Furthermore, the blue ceramic bezel creates a strong contrast with the steel case.

The blue dial features a bold textured design and three functional subdials. In addition, the contrasting hands and hour markers improve everyday readability.

A sapphire crystal protects the dial. Moreover, its anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare under different lighting conditions.

The genuine 26420SO.OO.A029VE.01 also combines a 43mm stainless-steel case with deep blue “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic elements and a matching blue colour theme.

Tachymeter Scale

The TACHYMETER markings surrounding the dial form a speed-measuring scale. They are not an additional watch hand.

To use the scale, start the chronograph at the beginning of a known distance. Then, stop it after completing that distance.

The central chronograph seconds hand will point toward an estimated average-speed reading. However, the tachymeter only provides an approximate measurement.

Strap and Buckle

The watch comes with a natural rubber strap. Therefore, the strap offers flexibility and complements the sporty Royal Oak Offshore case.

A stainless-steel pin buckle secures the strap. In addition, its traditional design allows the wearer to adjust the fitting easily.

Date Adjustment

Avoid using the quick-set date function between approximately 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

During this period, the movement may already have started its automatic date-change process. Therefore, forcing the adjustment could damage the internal mechanism.

For safer adjustment, move the hands to approximately 6 o’clock first. Then, set the date before adjusting the watch to the correct time.

Water Resistance

The factory states a water-resistance rating of 100 metres. However, no independent pressure test has verified this rating.

Therefore, do not treat the stated rating as a guaranteed diving depth. For safer daily use:

Secure the crown fully before contact with water.
Avoid swimming, diving, showering and hot water.
Do not operate the crown or push-pieces while the watch is wet.
Arrange a professional pressure test before intentional water exposure.
Repeat the pressure test after opening or servicing the case.
Care Instructions
Keep the watch away from strong magnetic fields.
Avoid heavy impacts and sudden temperature changes.
Clean the case and rubber strap with a soft microfibre cloth.
Do not apply abrasive or chemical cleaning products.
Stop using the chronograph if its hands fail to reset correctly.
Keep the crown fully secured during regular wear.
Arrange an inspection if the movement develops unusual noise or inaccurate timekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the case diameter?

The stainless-steel case measures 43mm in diameter. Therefore, it offers a bold and substantial wrist presence.

What movement does the watch use?

The watch uses an APS Factory 4401-style automatic mechanical movement.

It provides hours, minutes, running seconds, date and chronograph functions. However, it should not be described as the genuine Swiss-manufactured AP Calibre 4401.

Is the chronograph functional?

According to the factory specifications, the central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter all function.

Nevertheless, the inspection team should test the start, stop and reset operations during QC.

Which hand displays normal seconds?

The small hand inside the 6 o’clock subdial displays the normal running seconds.

In contrast, the central long seconds hand belongs to the chronograph system.

What does the subdial at 9 o’clock display?

The 9 o’clock subdial records elapsed chronograph minutes. It can measure a maximum of 30 minutes.

What does the subdial at 3 o’clock display?

The 3 o’clock subdial records accumulated chronograph hours. It can measure a maximum of 12 hours.

Where is the date window?

The date window sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.

What does the tachymeter scale do?

The tachymeter works with the central chronograph seconds hand to estimate average speed over a known distance.

Can the watch be used for swimming?

Swimming is not recommended unless the individual watch passes a professional pressure test.

Although the factory states 100 metres of water resistance, no independent test has verified that rating.

Will the watch be inspected before shipment?

Yes. After the watch arrives from the factory, the inspection team will test the movement, chronograph operation and reset alignment.

In addition, the team will inspect the exterior condition. Two QC videos will confirm the actual watch and delivery information before shipment.