Following in all its immaculate glory, the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver in white ceramic is a wonder not only of form, but of function as well. Water-resistant up to 300m and protected by an anti-magnetic inner case, the model’s distinctive case back screws, intermediate bolts and hexagonal screws ensure the case is as watertight as a submarine. Divers will also find the time pre-selection device handy and conforming to the NIHS 92-11 standard for diving watches. The technical nature of the Diver is further enhanced by its internal rotating bezel operated by the screw-down crown located at 10 o’clock. Once the crown is screwed in, there is no risk of inadvertently modifying the dive time and the case protects the internal rotation mechanism from any form of external impacts.

While white may come off as less tough than its black predecessor, Audemars Piguet’s use of Super Ceramics means the new Diver’s bezel, case middle, and crown is 40% more resistant to scratches. In fact, because white ceramics are 9 times harder than steel, it also means the manufacturing process of these components is a painstaking and protracted process. For instance, it takes around 8 times longer to make the case middle, and ten times longer to make the bezel compared to that if it was made of steel. While this has the advantage of the Diver being virtually scratchproof, it also means that the octagonal bezel’s trademark satin-brushing and polishing finishes are particularly difficult to create.

The dial of the Diver is offered in Audemars Piguet’s iconic Mega Tapisserie pattern in a whitish-silver finish that provides a high-contrast look against the hands. Navy blue is used as an accent color on the dial while the hour markers and hands are produced in 18K white gold – mainly because of its ability to hold a polish and its corrosion-resistant qualities. The finishing touch is provided by a sporty white rubber strap and titanium buckle. Chic yet tough, this technical watch effortlessly does the job while looking impeccable.