Watches, like any other product, often develop nicknames over time as a result of their popularity and cultural impact. Nicknames for specific watch models can come from a variety of sources, including their design features, marketing campaigns, and even the associations that people make with the brands behind them. These nicknames often serve as shorthand for the watches themselves, making them easier to refer to and adding to their mystique, especially considering Audemars Piguet’s complicated reference number naming protocol, nicknames can come in very handy. In this article, we will review all the known Audemars Piguet nicknames, and how they got them.
Audemars Piguet “Bumble Bee” 26176FO.OO.D101CR.02
The AP “Bumble bee” nickname was earned by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26176 after its launch in 2009, of course, due to its distinctive black and yellow color scheme. The “Bumble Bee” nickname has since become synonymous with the watch and is widely used by enthusiasts to refer to it.
We have the replica Audemars Piguet Bumble Bee in all three grade levels for you!
Audemars Piguet “Sachin Tendulkar” 26182ST.OO.D018CR.01
The Audemars Piguet “Sachin Tendulkar” is a Royal Oak Offshore stainless steel limited edition of 300 pieces. This cricket inspired watch is a homage to the Indian cricket player Sachin Tendulkar. It has the classic profile of a 42mm Royal Oak Offshore watch. Even though it’s limited to just 300 pieces, the authentic watch can be bought aftermarket at around $35000 which is a good deal on a limited edition AP Royal Oak Offshore.
Audemars Piguet “Safari” 26170ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26170ST “Safari” was named after the safari-inspired design elements, such as its brown dial and earth-toned straps. This model was first introduced in 2007 along with the Navy model which we will cover as well, and quickly gained a following for its distinctive look. We love this model and took it manufactory with a high level of scrutiny, so you can enjoy a replica Audemars Piguet Safari at a fraction of the cost.
Audemars Piguet “Navy” 26170ST.OO.D305CR
Released in 2007 alongside the AP “Safari”, the 26170ST.OO.D305CR model features a blue Mega Tapisserie dial and bezel, which gives it a nautical feel and earns it the “Navy” nickname. It features a hand-stitched “Hornback” blue alligator strap with stainless steel AP folding clasp. Even though it is a rare model, the after-market price is around $25000. Beautiful watch to wear, especially if you are attracted to the nautical world.
Audemars Piguet “End of Days” 25770SN.OO.0001KE.01
The Audemars Piguet “End of Days” is a limited edition of 500 pieces. It was one of the first AP models to be endorsed and created in collaboration with a movie star, more specifically Arnold Schwarzenegger, that wore it in the movie “End of Days” in 1999, hence the nickname. The watch features a bold and eye-catching design inspired by this theme. It has a black and silver color scheme, with unique detailing and intricate engraving that set it apart from other watches in the collection.
Audemars Piguet “Rubberclad” 25940
The AP Rubberclad is a watch that we’ve seen on the wrists of dozen of celebrities, and it is definitely for a reason. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad (ref. 25940) was introduced in 2002, marking the first use of rubber as a main component in a watch and the second luxury watch with a rubber strap, following the MDM Genève Hublot.
The nickname “Rubberclad” was given to this watch model due to its rubber coating or clad on the octagonal bezel, which is often mistaken as being made entirely of natural rubber. The coating actually covers the stainless steel or 18K rose gold bezel. You can find a replica Audemars Piguet Rubberclad in our catalog!
The Rubberclad was a success, and in the consequent years, AP released nine limited-edition models of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore with a rubber-clad bezel, but only seven of them got a nickname, so we will run through them one by one in Chronological order by their release date. They are mostly limited editions, so we won’t get into many details.
Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello 1 ref. 26071IK.OO.D002CA.01
Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello was released in a 250 pieces limited edition with a rubber-clad bezel and 5 additional pieces with a different dial. It was a homage to the Brazilian Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello, hence the racing-inspired dial. In the 2004 season, Barrichello finished second behind Schumacher in only seven of the first thirteen races, but he won both the 2004 Italian Grand Prix and the 2004 Chinese Grand Prix to clinch second place in the championship, finishing the year with 114 points and 14 podiums.
Royal Oak Offshore Orchard Road ref. 26082TK.OO.D002CA.01
Royal Oak Offshore Orchard Road was released in 2006 in a 100-piece limited edition for the Audemars Piguet Boutique Singapore in tantalum with rubber-clad bezel. The dial features a red 8 as the address for the AP Boutique in Singapore is Orchard Road No. 8. Audemars Piguet is known as one of the very few luxury watchmakers that produced watches with Tantalum.
Royal Oak Offshore ‘Campioni del Mondo 2006’ ref. 26169.OK.O.D002.CA.01
Released in 2006, this model is virtually impossible to get, since the production was limited to just 24 pieces, which were presented as a gift to the Italian National Soccer Team that won the World Cup in 2006. It comes in 18K pink gold and rubber-clad bezel, identical to reference 25940OK but bearing a special engraving on the case back.
Royal Oak Offshore ‘Tour Auto 2009’ Limited Edition ref. 26278IK.GG.D002CA.01
By now you probably got the idea, that AP loves making limited edition models, and Tour Auto 2009 is one of them. As the nickname suggests, it is released in 2009 to honor the Tour Auto in 100-piece limited edition in titanium with rubber-clad bezel. It has racing-inspired design features such as red detailing on the dial, with the crown and pushers rubber-clad to match.
Royal Oak Offshore ‘National Classic Tour 2009’ Limited Edition ref. 26279IK.GG.D002CA.01
The name says it all. Another 40-piece limited edition in titanium with rubber-clad bezel in honor of the 2009 National Classic Tour. Apparently AP loves racing events.
Royal Oak Offshore ‘Gstaad Classic’ Limited Edition ref. 26296IK.GG.D003CU.01
The Gstaad Classic is a tradition in which roughly 100 vintage cars are rallied by a car club in Switzerland, and over the years Audemars Piguet and its executives were serial participants and decided to honor this racing tradition with this Rubberclad model, produced in only 50 pieces.
Royal Oak Offshore 57th Street ref. 26298SK.OO.D101CR.01
Released in 2010 in a 250-piece limited edition in stainless steel with a rubber-clad bezel and exclusively available at the AP Boutique in NYC, which is located at 57th street, as the name indicates. This AP watch wraps up our Rubblerclad series.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Grand Prix” 26290IO.OO.A001VE.01
The Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Collection represents the strong connection between horology and automobiles, with a shared dedication to design and a constant pursuit of mechanical excellence.
The watch’s dials resemble dashboard instruments, the crown resembles a gear, and the bezel resembles a ventilated brake disc. The collection consists of three limited edition timepieces, each with precise details and modern materials. These watches are powered by a self-winding proprietary chronograph movement that resembles a roaring engine, making them perfect for those who crave high-speed excitement.
This watch was released in 2010 in a 1750-pieces limited series, featuring a forged carbon case, black ceramic and forged carbon bezel, blackened titanium crown, black ceramic and titanium pushpieces, titanium pushpiece guards, and a titanium exhibition case-back with a sapphire crystal.
AP Royal Oak Offshore “Juan Pablo Montoya” ref. 26030
Introducing the Royal Oak Offshore, a limited edition watch honoring legendary Colombian racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya. With only 1000 pieces available, this watch is highly collectible and pays homage to Montoya’s illustrious career in motorsports. First released in 2002, when Montoya was at the height of his success and Audemars Piguet was still a sponsor of F1, this watch stands out with its carbon fiber bezel, unique dial design, and chronograph sub-dial hands in the colors of the Colombian flag. Powered by Audemars Piguet’s in-house Calibre 2226/2840, the Royal Oak Offshore is available in three versions: Black, Blue, and Rose Gold. Check out our replica Audemars Piguet Juan Pablo Montoya in Black, Blue(26030PO.OO.D021IN.01), and Rose gold(26030RO.OO.D001IN.01).
AP Royal Oak Offshore “Arnold Schwarzenegger” 26007BA.OO.D088CR.01
In 2003 Audemars Piguet released a limited 400-piece limited edition of 26007BA.OO.D088CR.01 in collaboration with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Apparently, the fans loved the “End of Days” model worn by the superstar in the movie, and AP decided to continue the collaboration with the actor. It comes with a yellow gold case that is 42mm in diameter with a sapphire crystal, a closed case back, and rubber clad pushers and crown. The dial is brown with a Mega Tapisserie pattern and has a date window, and three sub-dials with Arabic numeral hour markers. The 26007BA.OO.D088CR.01 is powered by the self-winding 2840 caliber with chronograph and small second functionality with a power reserve of 42 hours. The case is paired with a black rubber bracelet with a yellow gold fold-over clasp. It has a water resistance of 100 meters.
A really nice feature is Arnold’s signature on the box and the engraving of his signature on the case back. Grab your superclone Audemars Piguet Arnold Schwarzenegger in our store.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Byblos”
In 2007, the first time since its beginnings in 1875, Audemars Piguet produced a limited edition dedicated to a hotel, and more specifically to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Le Byblos hotel in Saint-Tropez with the AP Royal Oak Offshore 26408OR.OO.A010CA.01. Going ahead of the times without ever failing in their respective know-how, such is the common objective of the Saint-Tropez palace and the Swiss watch manufacturer. This objective has become reality thanks to the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Summer Edition. Limited to just 70 pieces, including 20 for women in brushed steel and diamonds, water resistant to 50 meters, and 50 for men in rose gold. We couldn’t miss this one and added a replica Audemars Piguet Byblos to our catalog as well.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Shaquille O’Neal”
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26133ST Shaquille O’Neal Limited Edition of 960 pieces pays homage to one of the most influential and respected basketball players in history.
Since Shaq was playing for the Miami Heat at the time, the black “Méga Tapisserie” dial proudly includes the team’s white and red colors. What’s more, the red-colored “3” and “2” reversed indexes on the dial stand in stark contrast to the remaining white numbers as a nod to Shaq’s No. 32 jersey. The watch goes for around $30000 on the market, however, there is a replica Audemars Piguet Shaquille O’Neal in our store as well in case you can’t afford the authentic watch.
Audemars Piguet “Leo Messi”
Introduced in 2012 in a limited edition of 1000 pieces, designed by Audemars Piguet ambassador and incredibly awesome soccer player Leo Messi, the reference 26325TS is based on the 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph. It comes in three options, tantalum bezel with anthracite dial, pink gold, again with a tantalum bezel and in platinum with a tantalum bezel, and a dark blue strap and dial.
You will notice that these 1000 pieces do not have the trademark Tapisserie motif, and each watch will come in a case in the shape of a lacquered shoe box decorated on the inside with the player’s dedication.
AP Royal Oak Offshore Ghost
Audemars Piguet reference 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01 was introduced in 2018 and was nicknamed “Ghost” due to the gray ceramic and overall composition. For more specifications, check our replica Audemars Piguet Ghost which comes in all three quality grades, from A to superclone replica.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Havana
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Havana” reference 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01 was released in 2017. What is particular to this model is the “Vintage brown treatment”, and that is in AP’s own terms. Masterfully executed with a combination of ecru tones, brown Mega Tapisserie Dial, and luscious rose gold accents. This watch is the beauty and the beast in a 42mm steel package. Check out the prices for our replica Audemars Piguet Havana, we have quality grades that will fit any pocket.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Lava” 26200SN
The Royal Oak Offshore 26200SN.OO.D101CR.01 was introduced in 2009 for Audemars Piguet Authorized Dealer The Hour Glass. It features a stainless steel case with black PVD-coating and a black dial with bold orange accents. 99 pieces were made, excluding the 10 pieces created for the boardmembers of The Hour Glass. The nickname requires no explanation, however, it is often confused with the Volcano model, which was introduced the year before. Since there are only 99 pieces made, it’s nearly impossible to get a hold of one, especially considering the price, but we got you covered, here is a replica Audemars Piguet Lava watch in stock.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Volcano”
The AP Royal Oak Offshore Volcano reference 26170ST.OO.D101CR.01 was introduced in 2008 and quickly became a sought-after and popular model as it belongs to the first generation of this family to come in bold colors and material combinations in one timepiece: steel, rubber, and alligator leather. For more specifications, check our clone Audemars Piguet Volcano page.
Audemars Piguet “Michael Schumacher”
Audemars Piguet has unveiled a collaboration with sports legend, Michael Schumacher, on the Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition. Schumacher has been a fan of the brand for over a decade and has now taken a hands-on role in designing the watch. The 44mm watch has a one piece bezel made of ultra-hard CeraMet and is held down with automotive-inspired nuts. The dial is marked with seven stars between 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock on the tachymeter scale to represent Schumacher’s seven championships. The hands are designed to recall the shape of a racing car’s monocoque and the case back is styled after a wheel’s spokes. The limited edition replica ap Michael Schumacher watch is available in titanium, 18k pink gold, and platinum with a limited number of each being produced.
Audemars Piguet “Pride of Argentina”
In 2010, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Offshore ‘Pride of Argentina’, a limited edition watch to honor the 200th anniversary of the 1810 May Revolution in Argentina. The watch features an intricate engraving of the ‘Cabildo de Buenos Aires’ on its case back. The 44mm case is crafted from rose gold and has a fixed bezel with a water resistance of 165 feet. The watch operates on an automatic movement with a 2326 caliber and boasts a 40-hour power reserve.
Audemars Piguet “Pride of Germany”
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ‘Pride of Germany’ is a limited edition chronograph watch that has been released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is available in two versions, one with a black ceramic case and red gold lugs (limited to 300 pieces) and another with a red gold case (limited to 30 pieces). Both versions come with a black rubber strap, a grey dial in the Méga-Tapisserie style, and rose gold hands. The watch is equipped with the reliable caliber 3126/3840 with 50 hours of power reserve and features an engraved motif of the Brandenburg Gate on the caseback. The Royal Oak Offshore line has been a successful product for Audemars Piguet and has faced criticism from traditional watch enthusiasts over the years, but it has also been popular among younger audiences.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Pride of Indonesia”
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ‘Pride of Indonesia’ ref. 26179IR.OO.A005CR.01 features a 42 mm titanium case with rubber clad pushers/crown and an 18K rose gold case back engraved with the legend “Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Indonesia” and Indonesia’s national symbol the Javanese eagle Garuda.
The limited edition ‘Pride of Indonesia’ has a gray anthracite dial with rose gold-toned chrono registers, rose gold applied Arabic numerals, rose gold Royal Oak hands, and a rose gold-toned tachymetric flange.
The watch is completed by a hand-stitched large square scale anthracite alligator strap with a titanium pin buckle made of 18K rose gold and an anthracite rubber strap. It is powered by the Audemars Piguet automatic calibre 3126/3840 with a power reserve of 50 hours and beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The special presentation case is in grey lacquer and the watch is available in a 100-piece limited edition.
This watch is yet to be introduced to our replica collection, so stay tuned!
Audemars Piguet “Queen Elizabeth”
Audemars Piguet has created a limited edition Royal Oak Offshore Diver in collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club for the 16th QEII Cup, an international horse race in Hong Kong with a HK$14 million purse. The watch, with a tantalum case, 18-carat pink gold bezel, and slate grey dial, is limited to 150 pieces that were sold for $30,500. Audemars Piguet will hosted a gala party with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The QEII Cup race was established in 1975 and has evolved into an internationally recognized event with Audemars Piguet as the title sponsor since 1999. We take pride in having a replica Audemars Piguet “Queen Elizabeth” watch in our collection.
Audemars Piguet “Sebastien Buemi”
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Sébastien Buemi reference 26207IO.OO.A002CA.01 is inspired by their ambassador and Formula One driver Sébastien Buemi. The watch has a sporty look with a 42 millimeter titanium case and a yellow, scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, with a transparent sapphire window on the rear-side showing the movement of the piece. It also features a tachymeter on the bezel that can be used to estimate object speeds. This collection is limited to a 250 pieces, which makes it hard to find unless you are into clone AP watches, which makes it more affordable.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Vampire”
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Vampire” 26470ST.OO.A101CR.01 is a ceramic and stainless-steel watch that features a 42mm case with a black ceramic bezel and a black dial with a round date window and three chronograph sub-dials. It has an alligator strap, and sapphire crystals, and is water-resistant to 100 meters. It is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement with 59 jewels and a frequency of 21,600 vph. The watch was introduced in 2014 and is nicknamed “Vampire” due to its black styling and red accents. Get your replica AP “Vampire” in our store.
This watch wraps up our list of Audemars Piguet models with nicknames. If we missed any, please let us know, and we will update the list!