Watch collectors who adore the admiring beauty and are in love with the luxuriousness of a bespoke piece of timeless timekeeping speak their own language. One that is brimming with affectionate nicknames that identify their favorite in top-end horology. From commemorating moments to scripting stories, these monikers serve as a testament to honoring special milestones that symbolize horological excellence.
Audemars Piguet, the prestigious Swiss manufacturer revered for its design innovativeness and technological brilliance, has been bestowed with some of the most creative and memorable nicknames throughout horological history.
Understanding and thus becoming an integral part of these nicknames is not just about insider knowledge; it is far beyond that. These abbreviations hint at the in-depth knowledge possessed by anyone serious about collecting, trading, or just appreciating these state-of-the-art watches.
With some nicknames arising organically within the collector community, and others conferred by Audemars Piguet, they were reserved to honor their limited editions and esteemed collaborations.
Whether it's an in-depth browsing of the auction catalog, participating in collector forums, or preparing for your subsequent acquisition, these abbreviations will help you navigate the complexities of an Audemars Piguet with confidence.
At Time Source Jewelers, we encounter such monikers daily as we meet collectors and assist them in finding their perfect find via these beloved abbreviations from a vast selection, along with the finest assortment of pre-owned and unworn luxury Swiss watches.
This detailed guide takes you through various Audemars Piguet monikers, from the trendsetting 'jumbo' at the helm to bespoke, celebrity-inspired limited editions that signal rarity and exclusivity, followed by a rich Swiss watchmaking heritage that traces back to their passion for the craft. With every nickname stitching together special moments, unraveling these scripts deepens your appreciation for these magnificent watches.
Audemars Piguet Jumbo
Depicting a design ethos that is most fascinating among collectors, what leaves them mesmerized and awe-inspired is Gerald Genta’s trailblazing Royal Oak, debuting in 1972. Featuring a 39mm case, the chosen case size signaled enormity, and watch enthusiasts and collectors soon dubbed it the "Jumbo"—a nickname that resonated well with the watch’s bold and overpowering size, a gigantic presence on the wrist. As the watch rose to become an iconic Swiss marvel, it was never about the size; it was about the attitude.
The Jumbo nickname refers to the ultra-thin 39mm Royal Oak variants, which are derived from the original reference. 5402. Featuring a minimalist yet stylish and aesthetic presence, these watches feature dials with hours and minute hands.
Incorporating the finest elements of those dials, these simplistic designs showcased the brand’s commitment to sleek, sophisticated silhouettes, indicating technological prowess that transformed the original into a groundbreaking revelation. The absence of the second hand adds to the minimalist, clean, and refined presence.
Royal Oak Jumbo References:
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Reference 5402 (the original)
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Reference 14802
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Reference 15002
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Reference 15202
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Reference 16202
The Jumbo's fascination and enduring appeal hint at its perfect proportions with a timeless design. For collectors who appreciate both form and function and are passionate about the iconic Jumbo references, a consultation with Time Source Jewelers can offer deeper insights into their favorite piece of Swiss brilliance.
Audemars Piguet Beast
In 1993, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak Offshore, featuring a bolder, more captivating, and dominant presence that hinted at an evolution of the original Royal Oak. At 42mm, this was a mammoth Audemars Piguet masterpiece, with its enrapturing presence earning it the title “beast.”The name of the watch embodies a bold and imposing physical presence, characterized by a gigantic stature, which lends it an aggressive modern aesthetic.
The "Beast" nickname applies ubiquitously to any Royal Oak Offshore model, not intended for any specific reference or variation. Such Audemars Piguet watches are a response to the growing popularity of larger, more prominent cases. Featuring an octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and more substantial case construction, everything has contributed to the watch’s gigantic presence.
The original Beast ref. 25721ST became an instant hit. Thus signaling how AP could offer a modernized classic design with watches retaining the essential DNA. Call now to discuss available Royal Oak Offshore models at Time Source Jewelers.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore "Themes"
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore category features several distinguishing dial colorways, with each becoming a collector favorite and offering something unique. Every individual model offered a distinct feature within the Beast family; the different themed variations resulted in coveted collections for the lovers of the finest in Swiss horology.
Demonstrating AP’s exclusive approach to design, these themed variants signal the brand’s early inroads into experimenting with complexity, boasting different color and material combinations. Inquire now about Theme models at Time Source Jewelers, where our experts help you understand those subtle differences seen prominently between celebrated combinations.
Audemars Piguet Rubberclad
The Rubberclad nickname refers to the Royal Oak Offshore models, which feature rubber-wrapped bezels. The innovative design feature enhances the grip with a visually striking aesthetic, while still maintaining the watch’s octagonal shape.
Regular Production Rubberclad References:
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26238, 26178, 25940
Limited Edition Rubberclad References:
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26071, 26082, 26262, 26278, 26279, 26296, 26298, 26377
The iconic rubber bezel treatment has become a signature element dedicated to sport-focused Royal Oak Offshore models, offering practical usage and distinctive aesthetics. These watches have been a treat to discerning collectors who seek practical benefits with purposeful and unique aesthetics. These icons of horology truly appeal to active collectors seeking versatile luxury watches that can dynamically handle demanding situations.
Audemars Piguet Bumblebee
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26176FO earned its "Bumblebee" nickname, thanks to its stunning black and yellow colorway. The bold, visually captivating design creates an instantly recognizable appearance that captures equal attention across any room.
The Bumblebee's forged carbon case and those dynamic yellow accents depict Audemars Piguet's willingness to experiment with unconventional materials and colors. With the watch being a treat to the eyes of collectors who appreciate technical sophistication and design innovativeness, it also appreciates playful architectural elements.
At Time Source Jewelers, finding the ideal colorway becomes crucial for long-term investment purposes. Schedule a consultation with the experts at Time Source Jewelers to discuss the ideally suited variants that perfectly complement your personality, preferences, lifestyle, and purpose.
Audemars Piguet Ghost
The titanium Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01 receives its nickname as the “Ghost,” defining a predominantly grey-colored palette. Featuring a scintillating grey ceramic bezel, a grey-colored dial, and a grey rubber strap, the iconic combination gives a cohesive yet understated appeal, with a floating presence on the wrist.
The beauty of this monochromatic approach demonstrates exclusivity and hints at an element of sophistication through restraint. For those in awe of subtle luxury, the Ghost appeals dynamically, showcasing chosen materials like titanium and ceramic. What adds to the watch’s versatility is an element of subdued elegance, making it suitably appropriate for various occasions.
Audemars Piguet Havana
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01 "Havana" elegantly showcases the beauty of a vintage-inspired tobacco, featuring a quintessential brown dial and rose gold accents that perfectly complement the class of a brown leather strap. The color combination evokes warmth and luxury, reminiscent of old-world craftsmanship and fine cigars.
The luxuriousness of Havana, along with its sophisticated color palette, makes it appealing to collectors who fall for vintage-inspired aesthetics and retro designs. What elevates the watch’s stature is how beautifully it embodies the capabilities of modern technology. The subtle interplay between warm brown tones and precious metal accents creates an element of visual richness.
Audemars Piguet Combat (Camo)
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26400SO.OO.A054CA.01 features a camouflage theme design. The military-inspired aesthetic makes the silhouette not just luxurious but also visually striking. Known as either "Combat" or "Camo," the watch features distinctive camouflage patterns that break up the stereotypical watch dial format.
Their military-inspired aesthetic creates a lasting appeal for collectors who appreciate its technical design elements and unconventional appeal in the world of luxury watchmaking. The camouflage pattern is a perfect demonstration of Audemars Piguet's willingness to go beyond traditional craftsmanship, introducing the realm of creative elements that push all boundaries and reach unexplored dimensions of craftsmanship.
Audemars Piguet Volcano
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26170ST.OO.D101CR.01 "Volcano" elegantly showcases a seamless combination of aesthetic orange and black dial elements, set within a stainless steel case. This dynamic color combination embodies the raw power and energy of a volcanic eruption.
The Volcano's bold orange creates a visually brilliant aesthetic that maintains professional wearability. Striking a chord of balance between excitement and sophistication, the watch has remained a popular choice among collectors who seek distinctive pieces, made to suit various occasions.
Audemars Piguet Lava
The limited edition Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26201SN.OO.D101CR.01 "Lava" showcases the resplendence of a black DSC-coated case, featuring both orange and black dial elements. The combination creates a more profound, more aesthetically pleasing visual impact that lasts longer than their standard volcano models.
Limited-production numbers, hinting at an element of rarity and exclusivity, make Lava quite desirable among collectors. The DLC coating features enhanced durability, creating a distinct matte black appearance that could complement the molten orange accents.
Audemars Piguet Brick (Pounder)
"Brick" or "Pounder" refers to the 18k gold Royal Oak Offshore chronographs, which are then paired quintessentially with matching gold bracelets. The substantial weight of these gold watches has inspired the heavyweight nicknames. Royal Oak Offshore Brick References:
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26470OR.OO.1000OR
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26470BA.OO.1000BA
These pieces, typically featuring solid gold construction, represent the pinnacle of luxury in the Royal Oak Offshore collection. Their significant weight and the precious metal content result in an unmistakable presence that would announce serious collector status.
Audemars Piguet Gentleman's Driver
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26175ST.OO.D003CU.01 earned its "Gentleman's Driver" nickname, being associated with the motorsport-inspired vintage dial design that features a sophisticated and aesthetic approach to craftsmanship. Blending racing heritage with sophisticated wearability, the Gentleman's Driver is an awe-inspiring appeal to collectors.
Inspiring collectors, particularly those passionate about the spirit of automotive connections, the watch meets the highest standards of form and functionality without compromising elegance. Its design elements subtly reference racing instruments while maintaining luxury watch standards.
Audemars Piguet Elephant
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470ST.OO.A104CR.01 "Elephant" features a versatile and adaptable design, with a quintessential stainless steel case and the magnificence of a gray tapisserie dial, paired with a stunning gray alligator leather strap. The predominantly gray color scheme and substantial presence inspired the nickname "gentle giant."
The subtle and sophisticated gray-colored palette creates versatility across various wearing occasions. The iconic AP collection perfectly demonstrates the art of fine craftsmanship and signifies precision timekeeping.
Revered for its design innovativeness, the watch embodies technical sophistication complemented by its edgy aesthetics, luxuriousness, and finesse. The Elephant offers picturisque beauty, and with a color coordination that enhances the watch’s overall impact and wearability.
Audemars Piguet The Beauty
A one-of-its-kind collection with the first full gold Royal Oak Offshore chronograph (ref. 25721BA), amongst the esteemed Audemars Piguet collection. A craftsmanship marvel at the pinnacle of design sophistication and elegance, "The Beauty" has earned its nickname in contrast to its steel counterpart, “The Beast.” The precious metal construction and its contemporary design aesthetics have elevated the Offshore concept’s stature into the realm of luxury.
The Beauty/Beast dynamic epitomizes the dual nature of the Royal Oak Offshore collection, showcasing rugged, durable, and reliable functionality through its versatile and highly adaptable design, which embodies refined luxury that relies on the selection of materials and finesse.
Audemars Piguet Indigo
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470ST.OO.A030CA.01 "Indigo" incorporates bright blue-colored elements, including the dial, strap, and those ceramic accents. The attractive blue theme creates a cohesive appearance, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and striking visual impact. A treat for the discerning, this watch embodies enduring beauty with a durable, sophisticated design structure, conveying a contemporary appeal.
The Indigo's lively blue palette hints at an engineering marvel, with a timeless hue that indicates how beautifully the color coding and theme can transform a watch’s personality, while still maintaining its technical excellence. For collectors who appreciate bold and visually stunning color statements, the luxuriousness of this particular piece is truly exceptional.
Audemars Piguet Panda
“Panda” watches have consistently remained a top draw in the esteemed Audemars Piguet collection. Featuring the subtle sophistication of white and silver dials and the charm of the black chronograph registers resembling the markings on the face of the beloved Panda. Audemars Piguet has manufactured several Panda variants across both the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections.
Notable Audemars Piguet Panda References:
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Royal Oak 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03
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Royal Oak 26240BC.GG.1324BC.01
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Royal Oak 26300ST.OO.1110ST.06
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Royal Oak Offshore 26170ST.OO.1000ST.01
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Royal Oak Offshore 26170ST.OO.D101CR.02
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Royal Oak Offshore 26400SO.OO.A002CA.01
The state-of-the-art Panda dials offer legible choices with a timeless appeal. The marquee color combinations, being an aesthetic choice that transcends trends, consistently depict a collector’s top interest across generations.
Audemars Piguet Vampire
The Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470ST.OO.A101CR.01 "Vampire" since its inception in 2014, bedazzles in a dramatic black and red color scheme. The Gothic-inspired combination portrays an enigmatic charm, with the allure of contemporary, edgy aesthetics.
The Vampire's gothic aesthetic appeals to the collectors and specifically those in awe of dramatic design elements, pioneering distinctive color combinations. Red accents ensure a striking contrast to enhance dial legibility, preserving the brooding character of this piece of horological excellence.
Audemars Piguet Dark Knight
The steel and ceramic Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470SO.OO.A002CA.01 "Dark Knight" epitomizes beauty and class, intrinsically blending the striking contrasts of black and red accents, reminiscent of the Batman character and appeal—a center of attraction for pop culture enthusiasts, the superhero collection appeals to collectors and aficionados alike.
The Dark Knight is a fine representation of how pop culture references can impact luxury watchmaking choices, enhancing a luxury watch’s appeal while maintaining its horological integrity. Modern, sophisticated materials enhance collector interest through a combination of stunning visual contrasts, adding technical interest to the dramatic color scheme.
Celebrity Collaboration Series
Audemars Piguet has created numerous celebrity-inspired limited editions, each reflecting the personality and achievements of its namesake collaborator.
Audemars Piguet Alinghi Watches
The Swiss sailing team Alinghi inspired multiple limited edition releases celebrating their America's Cup victories.
Notable Alinghi References:
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2003: Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Commemorative Edition ref. 25995IP (1,000 pieces)
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2005: Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Polaris ref. 26040ST (2,000 pieces)
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2007: Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Limited Edition ref. 26062FS.OO.A002CA.01 (1,300 pieces)
Audemars Piguet Arnold Schwarzenegger Collection
The action star's long relationship with Audemars Piguet produced several memorable timepieces:
End of Days (ref. 25770SN and 26420CE): Inspired by the 1999 film
Legacy (ref. 263781O.OO.A001KE.01): Celebrating Schwarzenegger's achievements
T3 (ref. 25863TI.00.A001CU.01 and 25863TI.00.A080CU.01): Terminator 3 tie-in
Other Celebrity Collaborations
Jay-Z Limited Edition (2005): 100 pieces total with pre-loaded iPod
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Reference 26055ST.OO.D001CR.01 (50 steel pieces)
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Reference 26055PT.OO.D001CR.01 (20 platinum pieces)
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Reference 26055OR.OO.D001CR.01 (30 rose gold pieces)
Shaquille O'Neal (2007): Jersey number "32" featured prominently
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Reference 26133ST.OO.A101CR.01 (960 steel pieces)
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Reference 26134BC.ZZ.A101CR.01 (96 white gold pieces)
Michael Schumacher (2012): Formula 1 racing inspiration
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Reference 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01 (1,000 titanium pieces)
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Reference 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01 (500 pink gold pieces)
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Reference 26568PM.OO.A021CA.01 (100 platinum pieces)
Leo Messi (2012): Soccer-themed chronographs
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Reference 26325TS.OO.D005CR.01 (500 steel pieces)
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Reference 26325OL.OO.D005CR.01 (400 rose gold pieces)
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Reference 26325PL.OO.D310CR.01 (100 platinum pieces)
LeBron James (2013): Basketball-inspired design
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Reference 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01 (600 pieces)
Black Panther (2021): Marvel collaboration
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Reference 26620IO.OO.D077CA.01 (250 pieces)
Audemars Piguet Pride Series
Beginning in 2008, the "Pride Of" series celebrated important markets and cultural landmarks worldwide:
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Pride of Indonesia ref. 26179IR.OO.A005CR.01 (100 pieces)
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Pride of Siam ref. 26172SO.OO.D202CR.01 (100 pieces)
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Pride of China ref. 26168SR.OO.1220SR.02 (250 pieces) and ref. 26168SR.OO.1220SR.01 (250 pieces)
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Pride of Mexico ref. 26297IS.OO.D101CR.01 (200 pieces) and ref. 26297OR.OO.D101CR.01 (100 pieces)
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Pride of Argentina ref. 26365IS.OO.D305CR.01 (100 pieces) and ref. 26365OR.OO.D801CR.01 (50 pieces)
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Pride of Russia ref. 26061OR.OO.D002CR.01 (200 pieces) and ref. 26061BC.OO.D028CR.01 (50 pieces)
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Pride of Germany ref. 26416RO.OO.A002CA.01 (30 pieces) and ref. 26415CE.OO.A002CA.01 (300 pieces)
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Pride of Italy ref. 26326ST.OO.D027CA.01 (500 pieces)
These regional editions celebrated Audemars Piguet's global presence while honoring local cultures and traditions.
Why Choose Time Source Jewelers for Your Audemars Piguet
Understanding these nicknames is just the beginning of your Audemars Piguet journey. At Time Source Jewelers, we specialize in pre-owned and unworn luxury Swiss watches, offering unparalleled expertise and service quality.
WHY TSJNY?
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Uncompromising Quality: We own every timepiece we sell, guaranteeing authenticity and condition. Our team of over 10 passionate watch experts brings decades of combined experience to every consultation.
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Expert Authentication: Every watch undergoes rigorous evaluation by highly-skilled Swiss watchmakers, technicians, and refinishers. We ensure each timepiece meets manufacturer standards without compromising its value or history.
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Industry-Leading Warranty: Our 2-year TSJNY warranty provides additional peace of mind for your investment.
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Collector Quality Certification: From American and Swiss watches to rare luxury pieces, everything in our inventory is certified as authentic Collector Quality.
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Trust and Credibility: Our 200+ reviews demonstrate the long-term relationships we build with collectors who value expertise, honesty, and exceptional service.
