Audemars Piguet

hello everyone

i'm writing to hear from the real roo lovers their (your) take on one aspect of the roo that kind of nags at me.  i realize it's an iconic design, and there are some editions that i think just look fantastic.  i'm particularly taken with the bumble bee version, but even the basic roo with the hornback strap looks fantastic.  i don't have one yet, but i could see myself at some point taking the plunge if i somehow decide that the size works for me.  of course, as i sit here writing this wth a jlc ewc on my wrirst, i guess i faced my fears on watch size. 

one thing that always nags at me, and this is where i'd like your take on things: each new variation just seems a little like a cynical effort to make money off of a style franchise.  perhaps that's a little crude, but to an outsider like myself, this is the one thing that strikes me a little negatively.  i suppose you folks have all faced up to the idea that there is a plethora of variations, some limited, some not, that bring various price tags.  on the one hand, perhaps it's not any more negative than simply producing the exact same look year in and year out.  but my gut suggests to me that the variations exist in part to capitalize a little on an avid fan base.  i'm just rambling, but i think you know what i'm trying to articulate, and, as a dedicated group of fans, you've probably heard this complaint before. 

so i'm curious as to how you respond to it?  at the end of the day, i make purchases of the heart, and if something like the bumble bee just grabs me, i'll probaby find some way of grabbing it, my misgivings side.  still, i would like to see what you folks have to say.

many thanks.

chris hoffman

Hi there!

I personally don't think there can be too many Royal Oak Offshore limited editions. Not only do they keep the horological world interesting and enjoyable to us enthusiasts, it allows AP to creatively acknowledge and celebrate remarkable individuals, locations, and accomplishments. We live in a society where we are flooded with information, so it can be difficult to give credit where credit is due.

Limited edition timepieces undoubtedly carry some negative and capitalist connotations, but venture deeper into the world of haute horology and you'll see that various independent watchmakers transcend that stigma. For example, the UR-103 was the timepiece that single-handedly put URWERK on the map. After years of success with the UR-103, URWERK finally announced this year that they were going to discontinue the model and move forward. Retiring a model that was without a doubt instrumental to success is probably detrimental to any horologist's career, but as an artist, there was no other virtuous way to go. For such a young brand to possess and demonstrate an adamant, artistic vision and at the same time do justice to all owners of a UR-103 is truly remarkable. I just love everything URWERK stands for. Limited editions and low production models give us the opportunity to own something truly unique and worthwhile, and with the case of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, it isn't always about money.

When you get your Bumblebee...pictures okay?! Kay thanks!

--Chocolate Soy Milk

As far as the price variations of LE Royal Oak Offshores, all I can say is that people are willing to pay these prices for a unique piece, enabling AP to continue with the somewhat arbitrary prices. There's no place for rationality and fairness in the luxury sector.

--Soy Milk

I used to be crazy for every LE released...till two years back...I got really cynical. Not I m back to classic RO...not ROO, and just a bumblebee and a a older ROO will do. I was rubbishing AP for this unlimited limited edition issues, when I realized one thing...if I own AP, I would do similar!!! I have since grudgingly accept that these LEs are never going away, but it may actually be useful in converting more non ROO owners and also suitable for someone at different stages of watch collecting. So one with a black theme may decide to "upgrade" to a RB2 for example. And also at those LE prices, they compete indirectly to some funky independents like the Urwerk example quoted above.

Good luck with your hunt.

Best Regards,

Horo

Horo,

I am a young guy looking to buy his first AP (black rubber clad) and as I have been researching the watch I continue to see your name everywhere.  Would it be possible to talk to you and get your two cents about making my first AP purchase??  you seem to be a real enthusiast that could likely offer me invalueable advice on how to purchase! thanks.

Tommy

[Edited to remove personal contact details. Just keeping you guys safe from yourselves! Any personal communication can be conducted via the PM system. Andrew] This message has been edited by AndrewD on 2011-03-17 12:53:38

But feel free to pm me and if I can be of any assistance, I will be g,ad to help.

Best,

Horo

I faced your concerns head-on when I reviewed the AP ROO Montauk earlier this year.  As I said then, iterations like the Montauk will come and go, with some variations on color, material, or slightly modified features being more/less successful than others, but the core design elements of the Offshore are compelling, in my opinion.  Like an Eames Lounge Chair, the Royal Oak Offshore isn’t going anywhere.  You may hate the design; you may love it, but I have to believe that anyone who enjoys watches, enjoys machines, enjoys design, can’t help but react to the watch on an intellectual or emotional level in some way.  To me, that’s good design at work.

Some people will fault AP for exploiting the ROO in every conceivable way, but I can't.  I'd like to see to what extent their designers' imaginations can take the watch.  Also, from a business standpoint you'd have to be vying for the corporate version of the Darwin Award to make the decision at this point in the ROO lifecycle to get rid of the collection.

The beauty of this hobby is that there is literally something for everyone, so why not let AP (or the various other brands who face similar criticism for creating too many limited editions) try to please all the people, all of the time.  It's an impossible task, but as an enthusiast I'd prefer to reap the benefits of watching AP try.

Cheers,
Daos

you must love the eames chair.  didn't you make that very comparison in the montauk review?  i think i actually read and enjoyed that, as i do that particular roo.  the powder puff blue just says "fun" to me.  that is one thing about some of the roo variations: they are just fun, and some really are spectacular.  the new york 57th street (is that right?) looks really cool too. 

at one level, however, the classic design of the roo is a separate issue from question of releasng new color schemes or location/personality tie-ins as a marketing ploy.  i think that most of us can agree that the design is cool, perhaps timeless, although that remains to be seen.  but the issue of whether to take the variants as merely aimed at securing a price premium and whether that cheapens the watch or makes us feel a little exploited or not,is different.  i think it could be argued that all the variations allow for a greater expression of individuality or allow people to approach a level of customization (manque perhaps) that would be truly expensive in one-off versions.  i can see value in that.

chris

...and was quoting from my review of the Montauk.  Happy you read it! 

Cheers,
Daos

Most editions can be found anyway.

I just treat them all as regular editions but with a vast choice of colour and material combinations, so it is more likely that one will sing to you.

I picked up my first Offshore a couple of months ago but always envy from the sideline about the varieties being offered.

Goh

Can anyone still keep track the total number of ROO versions made using same body, soul with just different clothes and make-up on? 50s.. 100s?? Seems to me like AP themselves are confused now as to which dial, pusher, color, material etc. goes into which and where. With current regular models looking more LE's like in audacity, while their recent LEs taking on the more subtle conservative regular look. Hmmp.. probably swapping places for a change after all these years ain't such a bad thing for sales? I 'Trulli' hope they'll come up with something more innovative soon. Or maybe just any simpler additional things/change--power reserve, GMT etc.? Being a long time AP fan and collector, thing's just getting a little too much.
This message has been edited by nvbee on 2011-03-15 23:56:16