I will not argue with this watch being designated the "King" of AP Offshores.

Sep 06, 2014,08:33 AM
 

It took me some time to agree with this title though.


Part of my DNA is to immediately disagree with such a proclamation as it pertains to anything in life - a watch, an athlete, etc.  That is my initial reaction, always thinking of an alternative.  When this Rubens Barrichello II launched, I remember my sales associate at the AP Boutique in Bal Harbour telling me he did not think he would have enough to secure one for me.  "No problem" I said; I did not even want it.

I certainly found the design alluring, but with no interest in Formula 1 racing, it did not scream must own to me.  Until last summer,  I had never previously held a titanium RB2.  In fact, I only once held an RB2 at all.  A pink gold model in 2007 in Valencia, Spain.  So my exposure was extremely limited.  And the insane resale prices of this particular model were certainly a turn off.

But finally getting to hold one changed my feelings in a heartbeat.  The level of detail on this watch is astounding.  I have posted many times about the Juan Pablo Montoya being the single Audemars Piguet Offshore to really break the mold on audacity and daring, but the RB2 elevates these criteria and in my humble opinion, is the pinnacle of all Royal Oak Offshore chronograph designs.  We have seen many successful Offshores since, several F1 inspired.  Would I select any of these others off a table if the RB2 were there as well?  No.  Definitely no.

Thank you for your insightful post and wonderful photo set Wayne.  I have plans to bring forth a detailed review on this watch at some point, and am pleased to read your thoughts on it now.  I have a feeling this watch will end up in your personal collection too ;-)


More posts: Juan Pablo MontoyaRoyal OakRoyal Oak OffshoreRubens Barrichello

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My Take on Ruben Barrichello II Titanium ROO

 
 By: orangedial : September 5th, 2014-13:24
I had a chance to briefly handle this hunk of a watch, just long enough to inspect it from all angles, snap some pics for sharing, and reach an intense excitement :chuckle: I'm not gonna repeat the introduction of this watch, as much have already been men...  

I find it cool, but, still, I preferred and stil prefer the JP Montoya Titanium.

 
 By: amanico : September 5th, 2014-13:35
Which I find to be more coherent. Nonetheless, this Barrichello is top cool! Thanks for sharing the photos! Nicolas

I understand your love for JPM Titanium...

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-11:34
I share the same view as you, especially for some of the lovely novelty features in JPM, e.g. the first use of rectangular chrono pushers, the unique bezel and bold screws as well as a nice display case back showing the disc brake inspired rotor blade. Ho...  

I really blame my wrist, each time I see a nice picture of the JPM Ti.

 
 By: amanico : September 10th, 2014-11:37
Each time... Like this time. ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas

Beauty

 
 By: el1125 : September 5th, 2014-17:34
I find it beautiful and slick looking however technically the newer ROO have longer power reserves and I also enjoy see thru casebacks which this lacks.

Spot on...

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-11:36
It needs a display case back indeed! Thanks for your comment :)

A fine study of a fine timepiece

 
 By: Tim_M : September 5th, 2014-19:47
Hi Wayne, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images. While I've always felt that AP issued a fully-realized effort with the RB2 (not every ROO limited feels as cohesive), your photos and commentary brought the model to life and illuminated details that ... 

"Rubens"...

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-11:41
my bad! Thanks for your nice words, Tim. This is one of the very few LEs that really attracted my attention to all the details it has to offer. I'm glad that my sharing has helped you to understand its beauty even more! :)

I will not argue with this watch being designated the "King" of AP Offshores.

 
 By: MichaelC : September 6th, 2014-08:33
It took me some time to agree with this title though. Part of my DNA is to immediately disagree with such a proclamation as it pertains to anything in life - a watch, an athlete, etc. That is my initial reaction, always thinking of an alternative. When th... 

Even AP employees are impressed!

 
 By: ameriddd : September 8th, 2014-12:25
I wore mine to the NY AP Boutique over the weekend and even they were impressed by it! I am loving the versatility of it - looks great on white rubber, black survivor strap and leather hornback.

I wear mine on the Survivor rubber

 
 By: MichaelC : September 9th, 2014-07:15
And have never had an inkling to change it. The OEM strap that came to mine has never been wrapped around a wrist or fastened to the clasp. I'm curious to try it but the rubber really suits me more.

Sounds rugged...

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-12:11
which suits the bold design of the RB2.

It is worthy of all the praises...

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-12:05
You know it ;) Thanks for your kind comments!

"Pinnacle of all Royal Oak Offshore chronograph designs"

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-12:00
What an appropriate way to describe the RB2, especially coming from an esteemed owner like you, Michael! And I totally agree with you on your feeling of "seeing is believing" for RB2. If I may just add, not only RB2, but all AP watches MUST be seen and ha... 

Thanks Wayne. You make a great point -

 
 By: MichaelC : September 11th, 2014-18:59
They all need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Sure, it is cliche, but AP's amazing craftsmanship goes well beyond what photos can show. Just earlier when I posted a refresher on the Jarno Trulli I wrote something to the effect of needing to ... 

Great pictures Wayne!

 
 By: emijar3 : September 7th, 2014-17:09
Thanks for the thread... You really capture the beauty of the watch!.. Best! Ernesto

Thanks Ernesto! :) [nt]

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-12:13

nice and big!

 
 By: Duf : September 9th, 2014-05:18
Great pictures for a great watch! I would say it looks a little bit big for your wrist anyway!! Thanks for sharing

Thanks for dropping by!

 
 By: orangedial : September 10th, 2014-12:20
Regarding the size of the watch, my impression when handling it was that it suits my 6.75" wrist perfectly. I hope my pics are deceiving… :)

RBII ROO

 
 By: ED209 : September 11th, 2014-18:09
Nice photos and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the RBII ROO. Regards, ED-209