Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto (2010) Luxury Watch Review

http://www.thewatchbox.com/watches/audemars-piguet#.VWpGcVqROFI Audemars Piguet appreciates fine machinery. That's why, from 2006-2012, AP honored the annual Tour Auto Optic 2000 vintage car rally with a commemorative model; this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition is one of only 60 built for the 2010 model year. Audemars Piguet and Tour Auto have a great deal in common. The mutual interest in history, high performance, craft traditions, and engineering is obvious. Less obvious is the form a watchmaker should choose to pay tribute to cars; the subtle cues of this Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto are a study in delicate homage. AP employs a classic Tour Auto Optic 2000 color palette of red, white, and black to reference the event without stooping to clumsy co-branding. There is nothing on the classic 42mm case or signature Royal Oak "tapisserie" dial to betray a purpose beyond aesthetic appeal. “Branding” isn’t the point; a beautiful composition is. On the case back, AP gives up its game; the Tour Auto logo is engraved on the individually numbered backing plate. But that's the only giveaway. Otherwise, the Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto Limited Edition is a study in an Offshore done right. AP swaps its usual hornback alligator strap for a supple calf leather model that lends the Tour Auto a light wrist feel and a more sporting character than the patrician 'gator imparts. As a bonus, the calf leather (with gorgeous contrasting white stitching and red a