Cookies, a long-time Audemars Piguet enthusiast, takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the early days of the Royal Oak Offshore. His post highlights the unique culture of watch collecting before the digital age and showcases several iconic Offshore limited editions that left a lasting impression. This article delves into the enduring appeal of these audacious timepieces and the distinctive community that embraced them.
Today I was listening to podcasts about the history of watches. It beats listening to the radio or music, because I can dwell into the wonderful world of watches.
In the 90’s, there was no instagram. Cell-phones were cellphones and people actually had to read specialized magazines and books to learn more about watches. The other way to learn was, meet some watch collectors.
Watch collectors were hard to find, in the pre-social media era. You’d either meet them while shopping for watches, or chat with people with serious watches at at cafes, bars, elevators. “Nice Beast” was what I said, to a friend who owns the 1993 Titanium Offshore. We became inseparable friends after that, talking about watches over coffee and endless cigarettes. (Somewhere in my archive of pictures here, is his Beast Offshore, borrowed for a month. I loved it so much. It will be arduous for me to dig up that old picture)
Credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle
I enjoyed reading posts from MichaelC (our dear AP moderator), and countless discussions on the Offshore. I attended Tempus in Singapore (a huge watch event held at Swissotel Exhibition Centre by The Hourglass). I visited the AP stand, and they had all these chronograph calibres encased in plastic for display. And Ooo, there were crowds of people wearing Offshores - the original “fanboys”.
I met many fans there, and usually, they were the well-heeled professionals and businessmen. They appreciated details, and read a lot too. And that Colonel I always write about, liked to bring his rubber-clad Offshore for me to see.
Here are a few offshores I never forgot from my early days of this obsession. Perhaps one day, when the hype dies down, I’ll get an old offshore. Maybe, the Beast from my old friend. Maybe…
The Bartorelli Scuba, a 50 pieces LE. The bezel is bronze. Wow.
Credit: Supermanwatches
The End-of-Days 500 pieces LE.
Credit: European Watch Company
The Montauk Highway LE
Credit: Phillips Auction House
The Survivor
Credit: Swisstime.sr
LE with some tantalum
Credit: Monochrome Watches
Ginza Edition
Credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle
The stuff of dreams…
Which ROO edition is your favourite? Why do you like that particular edition?
