Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Ghost Safari': A Dream Realized

sebks · 2020-06-18T09:48:32Z

Discover sebks's 15-year journey to his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Ghost Safari.' Explore community insights on this iconic 42mm titanium and ceramic timepiece.

sebks

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

23 replies1520 views5 photos

Sebks's journey to acquiring his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, a dream 15 years in the making, resonates with many collectors who pursue a grail watch over time. His post not only celebrates a significant personal milestone but also highlights the enduring appeal and iconic status of the Offshore, prompting a search for a legendary forum essay that inspired his passion. This article delves into the community's response to his 'Ghost Safari' and the shared experiences of long-term horological aspirations.

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Dear All,

Here are a few shots of my latest acquisition ( actually a gift from my wife): after a 15 years wait I’m finally a proud owner of an Offshore!!!

This is the watch which started my passion for horology, 15 years ago I was a co-op in a big multinational and had some free time to browse thepurists.com , dreaming about the day I could get one of these Offshore! I bought several nice watches since that time but never pulled the trigger on an AP...

I love all its qualities (iconic design, impressive finishing, etc...) and flaws ( crazy price, «average » caliber, ...)

It is the 42mm titanium + ceramic with the hornback alligator strap from the Safari=> I call her the « Ghost Safari » and she’s the most amazing watch ever

I recall that my fascination for the Offshore started by reading an essay titled « 2 years with the Beast » (approximately, I don’t remember the exact title, it could also be 1 year with the Beast... for sure « the beast » was mentioned), it was published before 2005 on possibly thepurists.com or timezone... I don’t recall the author’s name but he had pictures of a disassembled Offshore (which i found like exploring the inside of a rare treasure) and was sharing ownership experience... I spent hours searching for it but could not find it back - would anyone see which essay I’m referring to and still have the link somewhere ?

Cheers

Seb

Key Points from the Discussion

The 42mm Royal Oak Offshore is a highly favored size among collectors, with the Safari hornback strap being particularly lauded for its quality and distinctive aesthetic, despite its high replacement cost.
The 'Ghost Safari' combination of a titanium and ceramic Offshore with the Safari hornback strap is noted as an uncommon but effective choice that enhances the watch's appeal.
Receiving a dream watch as a gift from a spouse is a rare and celebrated event within the collecting community, often sparking lighthearted envy and admiration.
Engraving the case back of a watch received as a significant gift is a suggested way to personalize and commemorate the special occasion.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Jun 18, 2020

A dream come true! Congrats Seb!

I drooled over AP many years before I ever bought one. When we are speaking about Royal Oak Offshores, the 42mm is the one for me too. I love your ghost and the strap is an interesting choice. I have a Safari myself, and the strap remains one of the best AP has ever made (take good care of it... for the cost of a replacement hornback Safari strap, you can get a watch from a different brand!). Again, congrats, and thanks for sharing your story!

systematic.entropy

Jun 18, 2020

Congrats!

I really like the grey dial with brown strap. Cheers!

Jun 18, 2020

Congratulations! The "Ghost" is my favorite of the current production Offshores.

Yours looks great. M4

W72

Jun 18, 2020

Well done! and Congratulations...

the watch looks perfect on your wrist. The 15 years wait is definitely worth it. Hats off to your wife for the making your dream comes true...

Lankysudanese

Jun 18, 2020

Congrats! The wait (and associated pining) is part of the fun. Your Ghost looks like it was designed for your wrist.

Wear it in good health

WatchAl

Jun 18, 2020

Congratulations on the pickup...

Your hard work and dedication have finally paid off, you made an excellent choice. -Alan

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