If you are a fan of basketball, there is no doubt that you would know the double-NBA champion LeBron James, the youngest-ever player to log a triple-double, should have produced a signature edition of replica Audemars Piquet’s chunky-yet-handsome Royal Oak Offshore that amounts to much more than just his name engraved on the case-back. Releasing the new piece at the Herzog & Meuron-designed 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami’s South Beach last month, James told journalists: “I just wanted a timepiece with my name on it, however also something with an ‘off-court, on-court’ feel.” 
Thus, it stands to reason that Limited to just 600 pieces worldwide, the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James reflects an interest in watches that pre-dates the forward’s stellar career as an NBA superstar (starting with the Cleveland Caveliers, before hitting pay-dirt with the Miami Heat – with whom he holds those two consecutive championship titles). Anyone who can follow the arcane language of is unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of designing a watch.
James’ introduction to the Le Brassus-based manufacturer came via his mentor, Jay Z, however, it took another ten years for the relationship to go from ‘friend of the brand’ to fully-fledged ambassador – with the timepiece to display for it. This, as well, picks up on the gray feel with an anthracite galvanic treatment of the partly open-worked oscillating weight. James’ signature is engraved in blue on the sapphire case-back, behind which may be seen the self-winding movement. The watch is deeply attractive under lights, the range of finishes means the watch demonstrates a complexity that belies the design which, on paper at least appears simple. It was worth the wait: first-off – and in marked contrast to several other sports-inspired models out there – the LeBron James edition forgoes all reference to the sport he plays, and concentrates instead on creating the exact mixture of elegance and sportiness for which the Royal Oak Offshore is justly celebrated. Some who sells the best replica watches tend to stand out through brand name, others through durability and others through an out of this world design.
In 18ct rose gold, the case of this timepiece, is offset with a titanium screw-down bezel. The gray is further picked up in the mega-tapisserie dial and counters, the outsized, gray rubber-clad pushers and its hand-stitched crocodile strap. The result is a relatively low-key Offshore, with just a a touch of bling in the twin rows of diamonds set into the pusher at 2 o’clock.