MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18861
Royal Oak Offshore Safari - new or old?
Audemars Piguet's 2014 Royal Oak Offshore collection continues to make its way into the hands of collectors and fans worldwide. I have seen the new models a handful of times, and the one that continues to most impress me is the new version of the Royal Oak Offshore "Safari".
I will be the first to admit, when I first saw photos of this watch from SIHH2014 in January, I was not sold. I was unsure about the new dial color and what appeared to be "Cola" colored subdials and accents. But, as we always say, the watch must be seen in person to really be appreciated.
Also, I owned the original version a few moons ago. I can still remember when this creative new Offshore was launched. Much excitement surrounded the watch. The brown hornback strap was remarkable.
The new version is more bold with contrasting subdials and tach ring.
Typical rubber coated pushers and crown match well with the numerals on the first model.
Ceramic pushers and crown adorn the 2014 version. I think this color difference was a concern for me when first seeing the photos of this watch. I like the way they match on the older style, together with the hands and numerals as well.
A unique glossy finish can be seen at certain angles with the original dial.
More refinement on the new one. Crisper numerals. Faceted hands which match the new angular crown guard assembly. Perfectly finished ceramic pieces. Overall, an edgier representation of this Safari model.
The wonderful brown hornback strap from the first Safari...
Thankfully retained on the new one...
But with one notable improvement in my opinion, a tang buckle. Well designed and more comfortable for most users.
Another difference, well received by most but not necessarily me... the open caseback. I tend to prefer a solid caseback unless I am admiring a special movement. No doubt this AP Manufacture movement Caliber 3126 is finely finished, and worthy of observation, but this is a robust sports watch, and the open back adds a touch of delicacy.
I purchased my first Royal Oak Offshore back in 2001 (silver dial rubberclad) and was so impressed by that large chunk of metal on the back. I know AP is moving with the times and perhaps newer fans of the brand and watchmaking in general prefer open casebacks, but I am old school in this regard. It is plenty satisfying to me to know a finely finished AP motor sits inside a watch, even if I cannot see it.
That one point aside, which is my current choice? The 2014 version, without hesitation. I do feel some of the "Old West" emotion that the original one stirred in me is lacking in the new version, but the more modern and sharp lines fit within Audemars Piguet's refined direction and will carry this watch forward for many years.
That one point aside, which is my current choice? The 2014 version, without hesitation. I do feel some of the "Old West" emotion that the original one stirred in me is lacking in the new version, but the more modern and sharp lines fit within Audemars Piguet's refined direction and will carry this watch forward for many years.
So on my current wishlist, and hopefully in the corsshairs one day, the Royal Oak Offshore Safari 2.0...
More posts:
Royal Oak Offshore Safari - new or old?
Audemars Piguet's 2014 Royal Oak Offshore collection continues to make its way into the hands of collectors and fans worldwide. I have seen the new models a handful of times, and the one that continues to most impress me is the new version of the Royal Oa...
Thanks for this interesting comparison, Michael...
I like your 'old school' opinion about a solid ROO case back. While it is thrilling for me to be able to see the exposed inner beauty of the watch, I too have some doubt over the antimagnetic capability of the modern ROO with a display case back. I also a...
Probably generation 1 for me
Good comparison. There are things I like about both generations. I prefer: The dial and overall aesthetic of the first generation The see-through case back of the second generation (sorry, purists, but I love the view of the AP 3120) The tang buckle of th...
Overall I like better the second gen...
But the first is also really nice!! Both watches has their beauty!!
Gen 1 Retrofitted with the Sapphire Caseback!
The aesthetic changes to the dial and the pusher changes aren't big winners for me. I think of this as comparing two very nice televisions side by side in a store, but once you have only one at home the differences are meaningless. The new case back is a ...
Cool pieces
Both versions are really cool! On the comfort side, I wonder what are the users concerns with the old folding clasp. The new tang buckle looks great, but as with most ROO tang buckles (including Divers’), these also have razor-sharp edges that may scratch...
nice comparision
Thanks for this comparative of 2 great pieces. For this Safari version I really preffer the 1st generation , just missing the ceramic pieces from the 2nd one!! Good choice then!
Buckles
Hi guys - I'd love to hear your thoughts regarding the tang buckle, especially given my comments on the post above :-). Have a great week, everyone.
Hi Ed.
I do understand your observations on the buckles. I think the crisp edgy lines go well with the design of the watch. Personally, I have never had these dig or scratch against my wrist. Do you notice it more on one side or the other? Perhaps if the watch i...
still on buckles
Michael, I do not own these pieces… yet. However, having tried on literally dozens of ROOs on tang buckles, I always wondered why they had such sharp edges. I also found references to this issue in other forums on the Internet. Interestingly, two of the w...
Safari
Picking up this excellent thread... Firstly, thanks MichaelC – great info on the Safari models. AP and especially a ROO have been in my eyes for quite a long time, but I never pulled the trigger. Today, kind of by coincidence, I walked passed an AD and I ...
Great feedback Bent.
Even though I have posted I prefer the solid caseback on these watches, it does look great on the new Safari. And given the colors of the watch, to see the gold rotor on the back is a very nice addition. My first AP watch was a rubberclad Offshore back in...
Thanks again
- Your added strap info obviously makes that the last thing I should worry about :) All best Bent
