Audemars Piguet ROO RB2TI Buying Guide

m32 · 2016-09-29T18:13:34Z

Buying an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II (RB2TI)? Get essential advice on authentication, due diligence, and what to check for pre-owned APs.

m32

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

21 replies5576 views21 photos

m32 seeks crucial buying advice for his first Audemars Piguet, a grail Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II (RB2TI), purchased from a private seller. His detailed account of due diligence, including contacting AP and seeking community input, highlights the complexities and precautions involved in acquiring high-value pre-owned luxury watches.

I'm about to close on my first AP and thankfully, it'll be my grail ROO (rb2ti). I know that everyone says buy the seller and not the watch. I did reach out to a few reputable sellers here and they did find me a few rb2s but there's one that I am going to go with as it's in better condition for marginally more. This watch is being sold by a private seller.

First, the seller (original owner) has been very accommodating with pics of the watch, box, books, etc and whatever pics I requested. The watch appears to be complete. Second, I asked for a pic of the back and called AP clearwater to confirm the serial number and everything matches. Third, I reached out a friend of mine that lives in the seller's city and asked him if he knew anyone at the local AP dealer that could look over the watch for me. He gave me a name that he trusts and I called the him at the boutique. Apparently they are no longer selling AP earlier this year (although they are still listed on AP's website) and said they can't look over it for liability reasons. When I told him the name of the seller, he immediately said that the seller "is golden" and whatever he says, he's legit and he's quite the collector.

So far so good... complete watch... good pics... solid reference... last step is to meet him in NY at the AP boutique to have them look over it. Before I booked my flight, I called AP and to my surprise, they said they can't authenticate it and basically can't do anything for me.

I will be calling AP Clearwater again tomorrow to see if they can confirm where the watch was sold initially to confirm what the seller told me.

Like I mentioned, I will be going to meet with him in NY and look over the watch so I will see it and handle it. So my question is what else can I/should I/need to do to get comfortable with this purchase? What would you do?

Here are some pics of the watch the seller sent me

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[URL=http://s89.photobucket.com/user/edwinlau32/media/watch/A28D76E5-47F8-43D1-8090-D354F2F7113D_zpsfcglwamj.jpg.html]

Edwin

Key Points from the Discussion

For a second-hand watch deal, it's suggested that the seller take the watch to a boutique to obtain a written service quote, as this requires the boutique to verify the serial number and inspect the watch.
While the watch appeared legitimate, the absence of a specific instruction booklet for the RB2, which should be green with a white stripe and titled 'Rubens Barrichello Chronograph Selfwinding Limited Edition,' can diminish the value of the complete package for collectors.
AP boutiques often decline to authenticate watches for private sales due to liability reasons, making independent verification challenging for buyers.
Despite the missing booklet, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II is highly regarded, with one contributor calling it 'one of the best decisions ever' for a collector.
The buyer successfully acquired the RB2, noting it appeared 'NIB and unworn,' and immediately took it to an AP boutique after the purchase.

The Discussion

Bill

Sep 29, 2016

Here is a recent review by a member here that may be useful to look at. It looks like you are on the right track. I am not sure If any boutique will want to get in the middle of a second wrist deal so the easy option is for the owner/seller to take it to a boutique and ask them to look over the watch and to provide a written quote for service. Not that he should get it serviced but this could help things along as the boutique would need to take the serial number for a written quote. Bill

amanico

Sep 29, 2016

All seems to be good. Best, Nicolas

AyrtonSenna777

Sep 29, 2016

Hi Edwin. From where I sit, the watch looks pretty legit. Unfortunately there are plenty of fake APs out there so it never hurts to be be cautious. I've taken a close look at your uploaded pictures and they look pretty legit to me. Please check the documents that comes with the watch and ensure it's totall kosher. If this is your first AP bring a friend who's familiar with AP or the RB II along as backup. And that's all you can really do. Best of luck my friend. And welcome to the RB II lovers'

mark.cabinotier

Sep 30, 2016

This watch is in excellent condition.

m32

Sep 30, 2016

Yes, I did see that post and it definitely got me even more excited about it! Thanks for your input!

m32

Sep 30, 2016

the seller did send me the documents that he had and it looked legit. the only thing that is still uncertain right now is a missing instruction booklet specific to the RB2. I have done a lot of research and inquiry and it appears there's a book that may be missing. Odd b/c the seller has the rb2RG as well and that didn't have that instruction book. I believe you have the rb2 as well... do you know what I'm referring to?

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