Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 42 Stainless Steel Brown Alligator 26470ST.OO.A099CR.01

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26470ST.OO.A099CR.01 was introduced in 2018. It features a brown dial with blue subdials and tachymeter ring. It is fitted with a brown alligator strap with blue stitching.

 Watch our tour video about the AP ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE “HAVANA” 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01

Not every watch in the Offshore line is built to look aggressive. The Royal Oak Offshore “Havana” takes a different approach, with a deep brown dial that draws your eye right away – especially when paired with its blue subdials and matching leather strap. It is a color combination that stands out without being over the top.

Collectors started calling it the “Havana” because of how much the dial resembles the rich color of cigar wrappers – and the name actually fits. It is different, a little unexpected, but still unmistakably part of the Offshore family.

Let’s dive into the details that make this version worth talking about.

How the “Havana” Brought New Character to the Offshore Line 

The Royal Oak Offshore collection was introduced in 1993 as a larger, more rugged take on the original Royal Oak. Designed by Emmanuel Gueit, this new version brought a bold shift in direction – bigger cases, rubber details, and a stronger wrist presence. While the original Royal Oak came from Gérald Genta’s sketchbook in 1972, the Offshore was aimed at a younger generation who wanted something louder and more adventurous.

Over the years, the Offshore has grown into a wide-ranging sub-collection, known for pushing boundaries with color, materials, and case design. The reference 26470ST.OO.A099CR.01, better known among collectors as the “Havana”, adds a more expressive flavor to the lineup. Its brown Méga Tapisserie dial – inspired by the tone of hand-rolled cigar leaves is where the nickname came from, and the name stuck quickly within enthusiast circles.

Released as part of the 26470 generation around 2014, the Havana brought with it the key upgrades of this era: a sapphire exhibition caseback, black ceramic pushers and crown, and updated finishing throughout the case. But what really makes it stand out is the color combination – something rarely seen in a lineup dominated by monochrome or primary color schemes.

Even though it wasn’t produced as a limited edition, the Havana remains relatively uncommon, which only adds to its appeal. It’s the kind of Offshore that feels less tactical and more personal – without losing the size or design that defines the series.

Before diving into the dial and movement, let’s explore the case and strap combo that makes the Havana instantly recognizable.

Case Details That Define the Havana Look 

The Havana keeps the strong structure you’d expect from an Offshore, but gives it a more laid-back twist. The 42mm stainless steel case is finished with vertical brushing on the flat surfaces and high-polished bevels along the edges, giving the watch just the right amount of light play. You get the signature AP bezel with eight screws – it looks tough but still well put together.

You’ll also find black ceramic pushers and a matching crown on the side, which not only look great but also hold up well against wear. The pushers are positioned comfortably and have a solid click when operating the chronograph. On the caseback, the sapphire caseback gives you a clear look at the movement inside, including the 22-carat gold rotor engraved with both Audemars and Piguet family crests.

The brown strap, stitched in blue like the dial, is comfortable and lays nicely on the wrist. A stainless steel pin buckle keeps the watch secure without adding bulk, making it wearable whether you’re dressing it up or keeping it casual.

With the case and strap working together so well, it is the dial that really brings Havana’s personality to life.

The Face of the “Havana” 

The dial on the Royal Oak Offshore “Havana” stands out the moment you look at it. It is finished in a rich brown tone and stamped with AP’s signature Méga Tapisserie pattern – a grid of large square textures that gives the surface a sense of depth and structure without making it feel busy.

Set against that backdrop are three Caribbean blue chronograph counters (6, 9, and 12 o’clock), which offer a strong but balanced contrast to the brown. Around the edge sits a blue inner tachymeter scale, giving the dial a functional border and helping separate the display into clean sections.

The Arabic numerals are applied and filled with luminous material, making them easy to read in both bright and low-light conditions. They’re also framed in white gold, which helps them catch light at different angles without overwhelming the dial. The hour and minute hands follow the same approach – white gold construction with lume down the center for night visibility.

At the 3 o’clock position, the date display sits recessed below the dial. Instead of using a raised magnifier on the crystal, AP designed the magnification into the window itself. It keeps the sapphire surface smooth and gives the date a clean, integrated look.

Everything on the dial is well-positioned and easy to read at a glance. The mix of color and layout gives it character without losing the practical, tool-watch feel that defines the Offshore line.

Next, let’s take a look at the movement that brings all of this to life.

Inside the Havana: What Drives It 

Inside the Royal Oak Offshore “Havana” is the Caliber 3126/3840, a selfwinding chronograph movement that’s been a go-to choice for many models in the Offshore collection. It runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, uses 59 jewels, and is made up of 365 individual parts, all working together to keep time and chronograph functions running smoothly.

This movement combines AP’s in-house Caliber 3120 with a chronograph module from Dubois-Depraz, known for its reliability and ease of servicing. The chronograph operates using a cam-driven system, which gives a slightly firmer feel when starting and stopping the timer, compared to the softer click of a column wheel. It’s the kind of mechanism built more for function than flash – and it holds up well over time.

The dial layout is straightforward and easy to use:

• The central seconds hand tracks elapsed time when the chronograph is running.
• A 30-minute counter sits at 9 o’clock.
• The 12-hour counter is placed at 6 o’clock.
• Running seconds are shown at 12 o’clock.

Setting the time feels crisp thanks to the hacking seconds feature, which stops the movement when the crown is pulled out. You also get a screw-down crown to help keep water resistance at 100 meters, which is plenty for everyday use and light water exposure.

Through the sapphire caseback, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the 22-carat gold rotor, decorated with the crests of the Audemars and Piguet families – a subtle but appreciated detail for collectors who enjoy seeing what’s going on inside.

Now that we’ve covered the mechanics, let’s talk about how this watch wears day to day.

Wears Better Than You Think 

The Royal Oak Offshore “Havana” might look big at first glance, but it actually wears really well on the wrist. The 42mm case has some size to it, but the way the lugs curve down helps the watch sit closer and more comfortably. Paired with the soft leather strap, it feels secure without being bulky even on average-sized wrists.

The brown leather strap helps with that too. It breaks in easily and doesn’t fight the wrist like some thicker rubber options might. Together, the proportions and fit feel intentional – like AP wanted this version to stand out visually, but still be wearable every day.

Details like the ceramic pushers and the way the case shifts between brushed and polished surfaces give it texture without making it overly flashy. Paired with the brown dial and blue accents, the watch has a casual feel that works just as well with rolled-up sleeves as it does under a jacket.

Compared to other Offshores, the Havana has a different look but keeps the same reliable feel.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key specs that define this reference.

Key Specifications – AP Royal Oak Offshore “Havana” 26470ST 

This One Doesn’t Stay in the Box

Every collection needs that one piece that doesn’t look like the rest. This one strikes the right mix of cool and capability. If you’re into Offshores but want something that feels easier to wear day to day, this is the one that gets the most wrist time.