MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
20812
Audemars Piguet Juan Pablo Montoya
The first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition I ever owned was none other than the Juan Pablo Montoya. While I no longer have this special AP in my collection, I certainly look back to it as a very important timepiece for Audemars Piguet. In fact, this particular watch is the one I credit for breaking down barriers and really allowing the Royal Oak Offshore chronograph collection to hit new levels.
I certainly wish I had a better photo set to share with you. These photos were taken 9 years ago in March 2005. MichaelC's technical prowess was not as advanced back then, and my point and shoot camera certainly was not either! Hopefully some owners of this special watch will add a few crisper shots.
The first thing I recall about this timepiece was how divided its reception was. In fact, I would say over half of the internet response was initially negative. I was instead captured by how audacious it was. Remember, this watch started being delivered in 2004. So while carbon fiber and other details this watch has might now be common, they definitely were not 10 years ago.
The dial featured a completely new guilloche pattern for AP. It has the appearance of a checkered flag waving directly across from left to right. Also new on the dial were the 3 colored subdial hands, new subdial fonts, new hour and minute hands, and new hour markers. Basically an all new dial and detail set.
Of course, the bezel was the most prominent new feature on this watch. Executed in brushed titanium, it has real carbon fiber inset on the top and sidewall. Lacquer coats the material and gives it quite a bit of depth and just a little bit of bling. The infamous white gold Royal Oak Offshore bezel bolts have been replaced with much more distinctive titanium bolts, and the bezel itself is notched around them.
The same carbon fiber insets are placed upon the top of the crown guards. The chronograph pushers were now rectangular, a change that was in fact welcomed by many AP fans. The etched pattern in the pushers was to replicate a gas pedal as I recall. A new and distinctive crown also had a unique appearance.
And in another bold step, AP used an open caseback on the watch, contrary to the Royal Oak Offshore's signature solid caseback. More unique detailing here on the caseback and nuts, and the winding rotor featured the design of a brake rotor.
The alcantara lined strap had a rather bold stitch pattern, designed to evoke the look of a racing suit.
Sometimes this Juan Pablo Montoya Royal Oak Offshore gets lost in the shuffle when we recall the great APs. The Rubens Barrichello II, which would launch shortly after the JPM, is widely regarded as one of the most desirable sports watches ever produced (by AP or anyone else for that matter). But when we study that watch, we really see much of the detailing as an evolution from the Juan Pablo Montoya.
Of course, AP continues to deliver excellent F1 themed watches. The Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix and Michael Schumacher watches have been quite successful.
But we must never forget the Juan Pablo Montoya, and the groundwork it laid for future designs.
Audemars Piguet Juan Pablo Montoya
The first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition I ever owned was none other than the Juan Pablo Montoya. While I no longer have this special AP in my collection, I certainly look back to it as a very important timepiece for Audemars Piguet. I...
Good times!
I owned one briefly and was struck by the display back, even though I was unsure of the strap... It certainly was (to me) the most handsome Offshore up until that point. It is not surprising that JPM insisted on part of his wages being paid in these watch...
The strap sure added to the audacity
I found it very comfortable and good looking. Think of some other models from all brands that have gone to wild stitch patterns in the past few years. When this strap launched with the Montoya, it was super original.
The bezel is the key to the watch.
And you need to see it in person to appreciate the visual depth of the carbon fiber.
If I could only have 2 AP's, these 2 handsome watches are enough.
The rests don't really do for me.
Definitely a racing duo.
A carbon Grand Prix would certainly be a great compliment to either of these models as well.
Excellent. It sure opened my eyes...
to the ultra sporty Audemars Piguet Offshores. Nice to see you here, Riddler!
I really like ROO JPM...
In fact, both JPM and RB2 are my most favorite racing theme ROOs in the entire line-up. I fully agree with you that JPM has created a breakthrough in the design of ROO and opened up a very unique line of racing inspired sports watches with wonderful combi...
The JPM was my first and only one. Still my favourite!
I regret having let it go... Best, my friend. Nicolas.
Well, it always comes down to the fit as the deciding factor.
Even if we adore a watch, what good is it to keep if we cannot find proper comfort on the wrist? I do think AP's newer wide strap / tang buckle options provide additional comfort for those who cannot find it with the standard clasp arrangement. I will be ...
Both pieces were so before their time
Amazing how far ahead of the game AP were with these pieces and the materials used. They look so good!