orangedial shares an exciting report on a Singaporean Audemars Piguet enthusiasts' gathering, culminating in an exclusive preview of the 2014 Royal Oak Offshore novelties. His detailed account and hands-on impressions offer valuable insights into the design evolution and community experience surrounding these significant releases.
15 March 2014 marks a memorable day for our small group of six AP enthusiasts who had a few "FIRST" on this wonderful Saturday. Coming from different backgrounds, professions and a wide age gap from 20s to 60s, our budding friendship grows from the initial acquaintance through online watch forums to a lively mobile chat group, all connected by a common enthusiasm in one of the most prestigious Haute Horlogerie brands: Audemars Piguet.
It was our FIRST GTG and although we are no big collectors, the watches and goodies shared among the group were fascinating enough we almost forgot a date with the AP boutique!
Of course, our first AP GTG would not be complete without a visit to the boutique. Bindy, the ever gracious boutique manager, had gladly accepted to host our visit and she managed to pull through a huge surprise, and another "FIRST" for us:
We were the FIRST group in Singapore to have ever handled the 2014 ROO novelties, all up close and personal!
Our adrenaline were all pumped up to the max, as you can imagine. No champagne, no alcohol, but there was an unlimited supply of expresso to keep us sane from all the insanity!
I'm gonna share here some handling experience of the new ROO pieces we have probably read about many times online. Maybe some wrist shots from different wrist sizes too to assist in your imagination…
New 2014 ROO Collection
With the announcement of 2 new RG ROOs and 4 SS ones during SIHH2014, it marks the end of the ever popular current versions of ROOs like Panda, Navy, Safari, Volcano, Bumble Bee, Rubber Clad, etc. In person, the 2014 ROO looks sharp with its updated mega tapisserie dial, faceted min & hour hands, sculpted crown guards, and most importantly the ceramic crown and chrono pushers. While I love stick/baton hour markers, I am actually very pleased that AP has decided to keep the "cropped numerals" as the hour indicators for the new ROOs, which retains the familiar charm of the Offshore series. With a display case back installed, the exquisite 3120 base movement adorned with the glorious gold rotor decorated with AP family crests is now fully exposed, inviting your full attention to thoroughly scrutinize her inner beauty.
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Color wise, I find the new ROOs look much more attractive in real life. I love the new RG ROO, especially the one with the new leather strap with tang buckle. The color of the new RG ROO dial is hard to describe, but the honey-like color certainly goes very well with the black sub-dials and tachy ring and the combo looks very expensive.
Of the 4 variance of 2014 SS ROO, the black "Panda" and the new "Navy" are the "safest" choice due to the proven color combination of black/red and blue/orange. The black "Panda" is a very masculine watch with all the new design elements. The soft leather strap and tang buckle allows the watch to be worn fittingly for almost any size of wrist. According to the boutique, the new strap combo is applicable to all 42mm ROO. Likewise, the steel bracelet which is used for the existing 42mm models can also be fixed on the new ROO.
Unlike the other new ROO, the blue dial one is supplied with a pair of rubber strap with the new tang buckle. together with the orange accents on the blue dial, the entire watch looks sporty as it should be. The blue dial changes its shades of blue under different lighting condition, which is rather nice IMO.
I find the slate grey ROO with grey strap a pleasant surprise. The watch looks muted on pictures, but it is actually very cool in real life and exudes class when strapped on.
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Lastly, the new "Safari". It looks great on photos, but I must say that my reaction was luke warm when I saw the watch in real life. No doubt the watch is more refined now but the brown indicators and the new cream dial just didn't look as appealing as the previous Safari. I didn't feel an equal charm here with the new piece. But it is purely personal.
New 44mm Ceramic Novelty ROO with Anthracite Dial
Now, this is an exciting piece. The ceramic case is beautifully crafted and finished. The new anthracite dial and titanium crown guards compliment the black case & bezel so well I think this is the best looking 44mm novelty ROO after the RG44mm. The anthracite dial has a seemingly more defined mega tapisserie pattern which really catches and reflects lights magnificently.
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Other Watches
Yes, there are two new lady's RO Offshore quartz watches on display too: one in RG & the other in SS case. These are very attractive pieces with a beautiful ceramic diamond bezel, a white ceramic crown and a white strap.
Besides the 2014 novelties, there were several other amazing watches we had handled during the GTG. I have no other words to describe them besides AMAZING… Let the photos do the talking…
Lastly, a tray of GOLD!
We didn't get to see the white ceramic Diver as well as the white 44mm ROO novelty this time. But it was ok to us as we remain rather skeptical about these 2 pieces. Bindy has been advocating that the white ROOs are very nice in person. She might be right, as most of AP's timepieces must be handled in person in order to fully appreciate its physical appeal and craftsmanship.
A group shot of the 2014 ROO novelties before leaving the boutique…
A thoughtful parting gift from the boutique… a newly designed travel watch pouch!
All in all, it was an incredible GTG with a big feast to the eyes, all thanks to AP Boutique Singapore, especially Bindy, Teresa, Ilyia and Jaslyn.
We can't wait to gather again for more watch talks! Till then...
Thanks for reading!
Wayne
