The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26165, commonly referred to as the “Survivor” or more colloquially, the “Crab Claw,” is a limited edition piece with a bold and aggressive design. Limited to just 1,000 pieces worldwide, this model stands out not only due to its rarity but also its unique case architecture and pushers. This article takes a closer look at the Noob Factory version of this watch, breaking down its details, specifications, and how closely it aligns with the original.
Design Overview
The 26165 features a fully blacked-out aesthetic—black bezel, dial, strap, and buckle. The aggressive look is further enhanced by the large, claw-like chronograph pushers, which resemble a crab’s pincers when extended—hence the nickname “Crab Claw.”
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Lug-to-Lug Height: Approximately 54mm
- Case Thickness: Around 16.5mm
- Bezel: Vertical brushed finish, distinct from the more common Royal Oak Offshore bezel pattern
- Pushers: Large, sculpted, and highly tactile
- Crown: Oversized screw-down crown with an engraved Audemars Piguet logo
- Caseback: Solid caseback with hexagonal screws, not transparent
The case and bezel also feature a triple-hole motif and vertically grooved textures that distinguish this edition from standard ROO models. Hex screws are used throughout, with matching interior hex patterns on the caseback.
Movement and Operation
This Noob Factory version uses the Dandong-modified 7750 chronograph movement. It offers decent stability for everyday use, but as with many chronograph-equipped clones, it’s generally advisable to minimize prolonged use of the chronograph functions to preserve longevity.
Time and date adjustments are smooth due to the large, ergonomically designed crown. Winding and setting provide tactile feedback and a sense of robustness often lacking in smaller crowns.
Strap and Customization
- Stock Strap: Black rubber with black pin buckle
- Bonus Option: A secondary red leather strap is included for alternate styling
The red strap pairs visually well with the black case and red dial accents, creating a sporty, aggressive two-tone look.
Dial and Luminescence
- Dial Color: Matte black with skeleton-style hands
- Hands: Hollowed-out design with luminous fill in the central portion
- Subdials: Chronograph layout includes small seconds with a red-tipped hand for added depth
- Hour Markers: Each marker features luminous dots on the periphery for low-light visibility
- Visual Style: Angular, industrial, and unapologetically bold
The legibility is enhanced by well-executed lume and well-placed red accents. The detailing on the dial, including engraved numerals and subdial textures, are close to the original reference in execution.
Final Notes
This reference stands out for its non-conventional design, heavy use of matte black components, and unconventional pusher architecture. Noob Factory’s version captures many of the distinctive elements, including the unique case proportions and dial layout. While it uses a solid caseback and the movement differs from the genuine Audemars Piguet flyback chronograph, the external replication remains faithful to the aesthetic of the original 26165.
This concludes the visual and technical breakdown of the Royal Oak Offshore “Crab Claw” Ref. 26165 by Noob Factory. For enthusiasts interested in the evolution of limited-edition Royal Oak models, this piece offers a particularly striking case study in design experimentation from Audemars Piguet.