When it comes to luxury watches, few brands are as revered as Audemars Piguet. Known for their exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, Audemars Piguet has created iconic watches that have captured the imaginations of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Over time, several of these watches have earned quirky and endearing nicknames, often inspired by their unique aesthetics or technical features.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous Audemars Piguet watch nicknames and uncover the stories behind each one.
Royal Oak Jumbo
The Royal Oak Jumbo is one of the most sought-after watches in the Audemars Piguet lineup. This nickname primarily refers to the Ref. 15202, a modern tribute to the original Royal Oak designed by Gérald Genta in 1972.
At the time, the introduction of the Royal Oak marked a significant shift in the watch world. Its daring stainless steel design, combined with a high price tag usually reserved for gold watches, broke the mould.
The nickname “Jumbo” refers to its relatively large case size of 39mm, which was considered oversized for its time. Despite this, today it is seen as a perfectly proportioned design.
Wearing the Royal Oak “Jumbo” connects you to a piece of horological history that defined what luxury sports watches would become.
Royal Oak The Beast
In 1993, Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Offshore, a larger and more rugged version of the Royal Oak designed for modern watch collectors who wanted something bolder.
The very first Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 25721ST earned the nickname “The Beast” because of its 42mm case size, a veritable monster at the time, along with its imposing design and muscular profile.
“The Beast” was initially met with scepticism. Many believed the larger size was too much, but today, the Offshore series is one of the brand’s bestsellers.
Collectors in the UK and worldwide have since embraced its bold aesthetic, and it’s now recognised as a game-changing timepiece in the luxury sports watch market. As of 2023, the UK is one of the largest markets for pre-owned Offshore models, reflecting their enduring appeal.
Royal Oak Owl
If you’re familiar with the Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix, you might have heard it referred to as the “Owl”. This nickname stems from the design of its sub-dials, which many have remarked resemble an owl’s eyes.
Released as part of the Offshore Grand Prix collection, this watch is a celebration of motorsport design, featuring a mix of high-tech materials such as carbon fibre, ceramic, and titanium.
The nickname “Owl” reflects the playful interpretation of the dial’s layout, making this one of the more light-hearted nicknames in Audemars Piguet’s lineup.
Despite its fun name, this model is no joke when it comes to performance and durability, making it a favourite among collectors looking for something both stylish and robust.
Royal Oak Brick
The Royal Oak Offshore “Brick” is aptly named, not just for its solid, squared-off design but for its substantial weight. The “Brick” refers to a full gold version of the Offshore that weighs noticeably more than other models due to its gold bracelet and case. When you hold or wear this watch, you can feel its presence in a way that only a full gold watch can deliver.
Royal Oak Safari
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore “Safari” is instantly recognisable thanks to its beige, earthy colour scheme that evokes the spirit of a safari adventure.
This model, with its brown leather strap and off-white dial, provides a rugged yet sophisticated look, perfect for someone with an adventurous lifestyle but a taste for luxury.
The nickname “Safari” was a natural fit given the colour palette, and it’s one of the more versatile Offshore models in terms of style.
Royal Oak Bumblebee
One of the most colourful watches in Audemars Piguet’s collection is the Royal Oak Offshore “Bumblebee”, named for its black and yellow colour scheme that resembles a bumblebee.
With a black forged carbon case and yellow accents on the dial and strap, this watch is hard to miss. The striking design has made it a popular choice for collectors who want something bold and fun, yet elegant.
Royal Oak Panda
The nickname “Panda” refers to any Royal Oak Offshore model featuring a white dial with black sub-dials, reminiscent of a panda’s face.
This design has become iconic not just for Audemars Piguet but across the luxury watch world, with several brands following suit by offering their own “Panda” dials.
The Royal Oak Offshore “Panda” is a favourite among UK collectors who appreciate its balance of sporty and elegant aesthetics. The contrasting black and white design makes it easy to pair with various styles, whether you’re wearing a suit or casual attire.
Royal Oak Volcano
Last but certainly not least, the Royal Oak Offshore “Volcano” lives up to its fiery nickname with a striking black and orange colour scheme.
The bold combination evokes the image of molten lava, and its energetic design makes it one of the more visually exciting models in the Offshore series.
Final Notes
Whether you’re drawn to the elegant design of the Royal Oak “Jumbo”, the boldness of “The Beast”, or the fun and vibrant look of the “Bumblebee”, there’s an Audemars Piguet watch nickname to suit every taste.
These timepieces are more than just luxury watches; they are symbols of innovation, history, and style. If you’re considering adding one of these iconic watches to your collection, you’re not just purchasing a timepiece—you’re becoming part of a legendary story.
⌚️ Related guide: Rolex Watch Nicknames.
