News March 2007

In 2002, Audemars Piguet joined forces with Ernesto Bertarelli to support the Alinghi team from Switzerland. At the end of the Louis Vuitton Cup regattas, the Alinghi sailboat won the Challenger title and earned the right to face the New Zealand team in the 31st America’s Cup. At 3:17 p.m. on 2 March 2003, Alinghi crossed the finish line to win the coveted cup.

Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team

A successful alliance

The Watch Quote™ - March 22nd, 2007

Audemars Piguet has renewed its sponsorship of the Alinghi team and together they are preparing for the 32nd America’s Cup. In honour of the now legendary sailboat, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has created:

the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph

To celebrate the anniversary of Alinghi’s victory, Audemars Piguet invited over fifty representatives of the international press to Valencia to unveil its latest creation: the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph. On 2 March, at Alinghi’s base, these privileged guests were able to admire the new chronograph, which is issued in a limited edition of 2,007 pieces. For this exceptional timepiece, the watchmakers at Le Brassus chose an innovative material that is a first in watchmaking: forged carbon, worked using a process borrowed from the aeronautics industry. Chosen for its excellent resistance and lightness, forged carbon is combined with a ceramic material for the crown and pushers, and with vulcanised rubber. The chronograph is available entirely in forged carbon, in pink gold and carbon, or platinum and carbon.

Developed with excellent shock resistance and water resistant to 100 metres, the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph embodies the alliance between the worlds of competitive sailing and luxury watchmaking, not only in the choice of materials but also in its functions and design. Designed with America’s Cup regattas in mind, the timepiece has a “flyback” chronograph function as well as a 10-minute countdown function, both in keeping with the 11-minute race start rule. The dial reflects the nautical world, with counter hands shaped like the prow of a ship, the Alinghi logo at 3 o’clock and bright red accents to enhance the sporting spirit of this exceptional timepiece. These details were met with great enthusiasm by the guests at the Audemars Piguet press conference.

The lucky few were able to admire the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team chronograph in the presence of certain members of the Alinghi team. Rolf Vrolijk, the main architect of the sailboat, helmsman Peter Holmberg, first mate Bernard Labro, as well as members of the ground staff, Damian Weiss, Pedro das Neves and Mark Newbrook, were all present at the press conference held on 2 March.

They were happy to answer the journalists’ questions and gave them precious sailing tips before the guests boarded the Alinghi Academy vessels for a hands-on experience of regattas with 5 to 6 crew members. The aim of the exercise was to gain a first-hand experience of pre-race emotions, forge a true team spirit between the members of each crew and obtain an inside view of the Alinghi world. A sumptuous gala dinner then brought this memorable day to a close.

Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph

Technical specifications

26062FS.OO.A002CA.01

26062OR.OO.A002CA.01

26062PT.OO.A002CA.01

References

26062FS.OO.A002CA.01	:	1,300 timepieces entirely of forged carbon
26062OR.OO.A002CA.01	:	600 timepieces in pink gold with forged carbon bezel
26062PT.OO.A002CA.01	:	107 timepieces in platinum with forged carbon bezel

Movement	:	2326/2848 selfwinding calibre
Cases	:	Forged carbon, 18-carat pink gold or 950 platinum; case back adorned with an image of the Alinghi team, engraved with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team - Limited Edition; water resistant to 100m
Bezel	:	Forged carbon
Pushers and crown	:	Ceramic
Dial	:	Lacquered black or grey, with “Méga Tapisserie” motif; Alinghi logo at 3 o’clock
Strap	:	Vulcanised rubber with pin buckle
Functions	:	Hours and minutes; “flyback” chronograph with central second hand, 20 minute and 6 hour counters; regatta countdown