M32's emotional account of acquiring his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II Titanium offers a compelling narrative for any collector. His journey from a Panerai enthusiast to finding his grail AP, guided by community insights, underscores the personal significance of watch collecting. The post beautifully captures the excitement and dedication involved in pursuing a truly coveted timepiece.
There are a few moments in our lives where we know is very special. This weekend was one of mine.
As some of you know from my recent threads, I’ve been a Panerai guy for the last 10 years. A couple years ago, I started looking at APs mainly due to a fellow car guy - s14roller. It was a lot more expensive than what I wanted to spend so I tabled that for a few years (but I have still browsed the AP forums periodically).
After a long year at work, I decided to treat myself with my first AP. I didn’t know much of AP at all (and am still learning now) so I looked at a lot of pics and bugged a LOT of people with questions (once again, mainly Jack - s14roller, peter - wx watches, Sam – 911cab, etc). Looked at Panda, new panda, the Beast, Ti-grays theme, and RG rubberclad… all were nice watches but none of them “spoke to me.”
Until… I saw the RB2Ti. Being a car guy, it was easy to be drawn to this LE. I’m not eloquent with words so the best way I can describe it is that I fell in love instantly. Next step… look on ebay to see how much folks are asking. I’ve seen ranges from $42-$55K. Obviously, this was way 2-3x more than the AP’s I was initially looking at but you only live once and I’d rather spend more on something I love and smile every time I wear it than spend less for something I like but not love.
Now that I narrowed it down… the search was on. Once again, bugged Jack and Sam A LOT to learn about the RB2 but finally found one that was a safe queen and being sold by the original owner. I’m happy to say as of this weekend, I’m now a proud owner of my grail AP and am 1 of 1000!
Here are some pics of my trip!
About to head to the airport and Daisy wanted to wish me a safe and good trip
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A shot of my Panerai 88 on my flight to NY to meet the seller
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One more shot of the 88 at breakfast before meeting with seller at Wempe Jewelers
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Success! Of course, my first wristshot (and first stop) was at the AP Boutique
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Since my gf and I were born and raised in NY but live in Texas now, we spent the rest of the weekend hitting up our old hangout spots (with obligatory wrist shots!)
Central park
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Rockefeller center
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Times Square
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Freedom tower
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Breakfast at Big Wongs in Chinatown
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Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo
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Lunch at Jullianos
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Obligatory pano of manhattan
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After picking up my grail roo, reliving old memories and seeing how the city has evolved, it was time to go home and back to the daily grind.
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Thanks to all who have helped and advised me on my first AP roo. I feel truly blessed to pick up my grail… I hope that every time I wear it, I will be reminded of God’s goodness and to continue to work hard and enjoy life with people I love.
Edwin
