Known to collectors as the “Half Brick,” the solid rose gold Offshore on a strap is the easier-wearing sibling of the all-gold bracelet version they call “The Brick.” Made for the collector who wants solid gold on the wrist without committing to a full gold bracelet, it keeps every bit of the Offshore’s muscle.

Presents itself in mint condition with little to no signs of wear. Set against a grey ruthenium-toned dial that collectors call rhodium, the Méga Tapisserie grid frames three ivory-toned counters with a warm, almost vintage glow. Crowned by eight hexagonal screws, the octagonal 18K rose gold bezel pairs a brushed top with polished edges that catch the light. Carved from 18K rose gold, the case runs brushed flanks into high-polished bevels that flash every time the wrist turns.

Functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters, and a tachymeter scale. The black ceramic crown on the right side of the case unscrews to its winding position, feeding the selfwinding Calibre 3126/3840 and its 50-hour power reserve. Pulled out one step, it rapid-sets the date by turning clockwise, so set it to the day before today. Pulled fully out, it stops the seconds hand while the hands roll past midnight onto today, then screws back down to seal 100 meters of water resistance. Above and below the crown, the upper pusher starts and stops the chronograph while the lower pusher snaps its hands back to zero.

Comes as a full set, boxed with warranty documentation.

Retired from Audemars Piguet’s catalogue, the 42mm 26470 now lives in collectors’ watch boxes rather than boutique cases. For the collector who likes gold that wears quieter than it looks, this one makes for a very easy decision.