The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26470 is the 42 mm Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph that the brand introduced in 2014 and has kept refreshing since, with the same case design offered in steel, rose gold, yellow gold, platinum and titanium with ceramic. The suffix after 26470 tells you the case material: ST is steel, OR is pink gold, BA is yellow gold, PT is platinum and IO is titanium. This guide explains each version and how to choose. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Audemars Piguet retailer, and every watch here is sourced to order rather than held as stock.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Sources: Watches by SJX on the 2014 launch, Watches by SJX on the 2017 update and Sotheby's listing for the 26470IO. Confirm final specifications against Audemars Piguet's own reference sheet before you buy.
What is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 26470?
It is the second-generation 42 mm Offshore chronograph, and the version most collectors mean when they say "the Offshore". At its 2014 debut at SIHH it kept the 42 mm diameter but gained an in-house movement, the caliber 3126, replacing the older movement used before it. The chronograph function comes from a module made by Dubois-Depraz, and a display case back shows the movement. The crown and pushers are brushed black ceramic, and the guards around them were redesigned to look more angular. The dial uses the large Méga Tapisserie pattern with slimmer numerals and broader, faceted hands.
Which versions of the 26470 exist?
The family spans five case materials, and the reference suffix identifies the metal. Dial colors and strap or bracelet choices create many sub-references within each. One dealer-data site counts more than two dozen variants across the model's life, so treat any single list as a snapshot rather than a complete catalogue.
| Version | Case material | Example references | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26470ST | Stainless steel | 26470ST.OO.A028CR.01 (black dial with blue sub-dials), 26470ST.OO.A820CR.01 (brown), 26470ST.OO.A101CR.01 (slate grey) | Part of the 2014 launch line-up; the most common version on the pre-owned market |
| 26470OR | 18k pink gold | 26470OR.OO.A125CR.01 (grey), 26470OR.OO.1000OR.01 (champagne) | Also part of the 2014 launch; offered on rubber, alligator or a matching gold bracelet |
| 26470BA | 18k yellow gold | 26470BA.OO.1000BA.01 (blue dial, gold bracelet) | Added at SIHH 2017 |
| 26470PT | 950 platinum | 26470PT.OO.1000PT.01 (pale grey dial) | Returned in 2017 as a limited edition of 50 pieces, reported to weigh over half a kilogram |
| 26470IO | Titanium with grey ceramic | 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01, nicknamed the "Ghost" | Slate grey dial with grey ceramic bezel, crown and pushers |
What movement powers the 26470?
The 26470 runs the in-house selfwinding caliber 3126/3840, which combines the 3126 base movement with a 3840 chronograph module. The movement is visible through the sapphire case back. Audemars Piguet rates caliber 3126/3840 at about 50 hours of power reserve.
Steel, rose gold or titanium: which 26470 should you choose?
Choose steel for everyday wear and the widest range of dials, rose gold for a dressier look with the same sporty case, and titanium with ceramic if you want a lighter, more modern feel. Yellow gold and platinum are the rarer, statement versions, and the platinum was a small limited edition, so expect a longer search. Weight differs a lot between metals, so try the case on if you can before committing to a heavy gold or platinum model.
How does the 26470 compare with other Offshore chronographs?
The 26470 is the 42 mm Offshore chronograph, while the Bumblebee 26176FO and other references in the range use different sizes, materials or finishes. If you want a wider picture of the line, our Royal Oak Offshore models page lists the family, and the Royal Oak Offshore chronograph references narrow it to the chronographs. For the wider brand, browse Audemars Piguet watches. An example of the rose gold version is the Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 26470OR.OO.A125CR.01; treat it as a reference point, since we source each unit to order.
What should you check before buying a 26470?
- The full reference. The digits after the dot identify dial and strap, so confirm the complete number rather than only 26470.
- Papers and service history. Ask for the warranty card, box and any Audemars Piguet service records, particularly on pre-owned units.
- Condition of ceramic parts. The crown and pushers are ceramic, so inspect them for chips along with the bezel and case flanks.
- Strap or bracelet match. Gold versions can come with a bracelet and a spare strap, and missing parts affect value.
- Authenticity. Our authenticity page sets out what we check.
Quick answers
What does 26470 mean on an Audemars Piguet?
It is the base reference number for the 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph. The letters that follow indicate the case material, such as ST for steel, OR for pink gold and IO for titanium.
What is the difference between the 26470ST and the 26470OR?
Both share the same 42 mm design, caliber and ceramic crown and pushers. The 26470ST has a stainless steel case and the 26470OR has an 18k pink gold case, which makes it heavier and dressier.
What is the 26470IO Ghost?
It is the 26470 in titanium with grey ceramic bezel, crown and pushers and a slate grey Méga Tapisserie dial. Collectors nicknamed it the Ghost for its monochrome look.
Is the 26470 still in production?
Ask an Audemars Piguet boutique about current catalogue status. Many buyers look to the pre-owned market for specific dials.
Can Bizak & Co. source a 26470?
Yes, we can search for a specific 26470 on request. We confirm the exact unit, photographs and terms before you commit.
Related reading: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak guide, Royal Oak Offshore Bumblebee 26176FO and Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph guide.
Get your Audemars Piguet sourced
Tell us the model, size, dial and bracelet preference, whether you want new or pre-owned, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, with a $200 deposit credited to the price.
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