MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
18864
Audemars Piguet Bal Harbour Boutique visit
On my recent trip to Miami, Florida, to visit Art Basel, I managed a brief visit to AP's awesome boutique in the Bal Harbour Shops. Francina and Indira rolled out the usual red carpet for me, and I am very thankful for their time and passion in discussing all things AP.
If you are ever in the area, make a point of visiting this AP point of sale. It really is a spectacular boutique. For a more detailed look inside, please click the following link to access the detailed article from 2013's boutique visit:
I was able to see a special selection of watches, and want to share 3 unique models with you.
White gold has been used rarely in Royal Oak Offshores, and it is the version presented in the following photos.
In this metal the watch is very heavy. As I had my recently acquired tantalum and pink gold QEII with me, I compared the two. The tantalum watch is still heavier, but this WG Offshore is substantial.
I was told this watch is a blend of the new and old style 42mm Offshore. I certainly see it as more similar to the older style, as it has the rubber pushers and old crown guard assembly. The open caseback is the obvious connection to the newer style Royal Oak Offshore collection.
The boutique lighting and protective plastics don't enhance the photos. In my hands, it is a striking variant for sure. I know one fellow PuristSPro Moderator who would love this watch
And some of the local Broncomaniacs here in Denver Colorado.
These Limited Edition Royal Oak Offshores include several straps. This white gold sample was mounted on orange rubber. Orange and dark blue hornback straps are also included. Lastly, I saw a dark blue rubber strap that will be available.
In this metal the watch is very heavy. As I had my recently acquired tantalum and pink gold QEII with me, I compared the two. The tantalum watch is still heavier, but this WG Offshore is substantial.
I was told this watch is a blend of the new and old style 42mm Offshore. I certainly see it as more similar to the older style, as it has the rubber pushers and old crown guard assembly. The open caseback is the obvious connection to the newer style Royal Oak Offshore collection.
The boutique lighting and protective plastics don't enhance the photos. In my hands, it is a striking variant for sure. I know one fellow PuristSPro Moderator who would love this watch
And some of the local Broncomaniacs here in Denver Colorado.These Limited Edition Royal Oak Offshores include several straps. This white gold sample was mounted on orange rubber. Orange and dark blue hornback straps are also included. Lastly, I saw a dark blue rubber strap that will be available.
Staying with white gold... have you ever seen the older style Royal Oak Chronograph in white gold? Mama mia, this watch is perfect. The size, the look, the heft, the function. I'll say it - this is the nicest version of the ROC I have ever come across. Had I not recently added the QEII, I would be all over this piece.
The shade of blue is rather unique IMO, and I have not handled another AP with the same color.
This reference has been discontinued, which is a bit of a shame. I remain a fan of the unique luminous triangle at 12:00 on these older dials.
Very happy I was able to experience this one in person. I have no definitive information, but I believe this white gold Royal Oak Chronograph was produced in extremely limited numbers.
Last but not least, let's review a whale of a watch, the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph. This version has the titanium case and ceramic bezel.
Utterly stunning. Lots of depth on the dial cutouts.
Perhaps another nod to meshing the old and new Offshore styles, this version features older "Offshore themes" style numerals, while sitting in the more modern 44mm Offshore case type.
The finely finished ceramic and sharp angular lines are so perfect on this timepiece. Juxtaposed against the curved dial cutouts, the end result is quite powerful.
I had not seen this new style AP deployant clasp in person before, which marries the wider tang buckle and strap to the clasp.
AP's movement finishing is spectacular on this reference. You'll have to trust me on that as the photos do not reveal the levels of detail.
As with the dial side, great depth to the movement.
AP lists the overall case thickness at 14.9mm; in person I felt it was even more. Very well proportioned though.
AP's website states that this watch is "destined for the wrist of a man who accepts no limits but those he sets for himself". I very much wish I were this man, and that my bank account would also accept no limit to allow me access to this monster!
You never know what unique timepieces await your review inside the walls of an AP Boutique. I was very pleased to examine these 3 models up close, and hope you have enjoyed seeing them as well.
More posts:
Audemars Piguet Bal Harbour Boutique visit
On my recent trip to Miami, Florida, to visit Art Basel, I managed a brief visit to AP's awesome boutique in the Bal Harbour Shops. Francina and Indira rolled out the usual red carpet for me, and I am very thankful for their time and passion in discussing...
Wow that ROO Tourbillon Chrono...
is a spectacular piece. Really like it in Ti & also the Platinum over the original RG piece - That said I would gladly take any of them.
Stunning on the wrist.
The visual depth of this piece is really something to behold. I really like how the cutouts are done.
Fantastic report!
Thanks for your great pics! It's nice indeed to walk into such a nice AP boutique with nice AP watches..... Dangerous though with the "watch poison" on the mind... And later on the wallet lol! Thank you for the report my friend. I always hear AP giving re...
Kind words Robin.
Much appreciated :-) You have identified the spirit of AP. I place a lot of stock in being treated like that when I visit a high end store. Even if I am not yet a customer of that brand or location, it says a lot when I am treated as if I am. I know AP st...
AP Miami
The employees in this store are wonderful! I have worked with them many times and they have always been beyond accomodating. Just wonderful! P.S have not bought anything from them......yet and STILL, beyond nice. Kudos to them! What a breath of fresh air!...
Thanks for sharing your praise of the AP Bal Harbour Boutique.
Exactly my experience as well!
Very nice post, Michael!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these 3 rare pieces. Frankly, I do not like the new limited edition ROO as I find the color combination not harmonized at all. The use of the older case is also quite a bit of a let down. I happened to be at the AP bout...
I enjoy your detailed feedback Wayne.
I agree with your thoughts on the new dial Offshore. It really is a micro edition, and no doubt the few owners will love it. But for similar reasons as yours, the piece did not resonate with me. I was most excited to see the use of white gold on the Offsh...
My pleasure Nicolas.
Glad you enjoyed the virtual visit. The new dial Offshore is not within my personal taste, but for those who enjoy the colors, it is fully up to AP's typical standards.
Nice report MichaelC . . .
. . . the ROC does indeed create an unhealthy level of lust :-) It brings to mind the motto: "so many watches, so few dollars." Thank you. M4
The WG ROC is worthy of the dollars
I am of the "less is more" mantra. But I would do a straight add of this special ROC if I could. Cheers my good Friend :-)
I'm surprised
When you say, " I'll say it - this is the nicest version of the ROC I have ever come across. Had I not recently added the QEII, I would be all over this piece." Given how much you like the qeii (which i think is a great looking piece), i would have though...
great pieces!
Thanks for sharing these amazing pieces! The APRO Blue chrono... amazing!!! S
I am so pleased to be able to share them on the forum
I do not have local access to an AP Boutique, so when I travel to Miami or NYC, it is the first thing I seek out :-)
Thanks Michael!!
Wow the ROC with blue dial looks amazing!!! Always nice to see this rare pieces!
