Comments:
I prefer the all white dial and the rubber parts.
That was a cool Watch, but at that time ( and still nowadays ) I was obsessed by the Orchard Road LE...
Best,
And thanks for this nice comparison post!
Nicolas
Audemars Piguet Safari - new model or old?
One of the most intriguing models in the new 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection is what we refer to as the "Safari" model.
This version of the watch used black rubber for the crown and bush buttons, and had blackened numerals and hands.
The numerals on this model seem to have a more sculpted dimension than on other Offshores.
And a slightly glossy finish when viewed in certain light conditions.
The big story on this watch when it first launched was the awesome brown hornback strap it came mounted on. Some say it is too stiff and uncomfortable, and that is just misleading information. It does require a break in period, and it might be a few weeks for some, but I have owned and broken in several AP hornback straps, and they all have become pliable and comfortable.
Oliver, Magnus, and Fx provide us with these images of the new, 2014 42mm Royal Oak Offshore "Safari". Gone are the rubber accents, now replaced by black ceramic. The pushers and crown have also increased in size, and the crown protection case buildout is also modified and now resembles the AP 44mm Offshore collection.
The dial is referred to as "ivory tone" by AP, and certainly looks to have more yellow in it than the previous dial color did. We also see the color brown utilized for the tach ring, subdials, numerals, and hands fill. The date disc has been inverted from the previous generation, with white writing over a black background.
The watch is still issued on a brown hornback strap, but this time comes with a pin buckle. I imagine this will help some with the break in period and provide additional comfort. I can comfortably wear AP's deployant clasp models, but almost always prefer the wider straps with pin buckles.
There are very big differences in the two models. Let's start with a review of the outgoing model.
I very happily owned a Safari some years back. The combination of colors on the watch was / is very unique.
This version of the watch used black rubber for the crown and bush buttons, and had blackened numerals and hands.
The numerals on this model seem to have a more sculpted dimension than on other Offshores.
And a slightly glossy finish when viewed in certain light conditions.
The big story on this watch when it first launched was the awesome brown hornback strap it came mounted on. Some say it is too stiff and uncomfortable, and that is just misleading information. It does require a break in period, and it might be a few weeks for some, but I have owned and broken in several AP hornback straps, and they all have become pliable and comfortable.
Oliver, Magnus, and Fx provide us with these images of the new, 2014 42mm Royal Oak Offshore "Safari". Gone are the rubber accents, now replaced by black ceramic. The pushers and crown have also increased in size, and the crown protection case buildout is also modified and now resembles the AP 44mm Offshore collection.
The dial is referred to as "ivory tone" by AP, and certainly looks to have more yellow in it than the previous dial color did. We also see the color brown utilized for the tach ring, subdials, numerals, and hands fill. The date disc has been inverted from the previous generation, with white writing over a black background.
The watch is still issued on a brown hornback strap, but this time comes with a pin buckle. I imagine this will help some with the break in period and provide additional comfort. I can comfortably wear AP's deployant clasp models, but almost always prefer the wider straps with pin buckles.
My initial reaction to the new model is that it could use a little more black on the dial to go with the ceramic pieces. I would start with the numerals and hands, and leave the subdials and tach brown. It certainly is more refined and crisp overall, but I'm not yet sure how well that translates to this specific reference.
Having not seen the new collection in person, I will have to reserve final judgment on the new Safari until I do. I do think this model will be more special on the wrist than in photos. And I'm sure I will be tempted.
But would I choose it over the older reference? I'm not able to say yes at this point, but maybe that will change.
Which version do you prefer and why?
New Safari for me.
1. Pin buckle is much better to wear, especially for a long time.
2. Ivory dial works better with brown accents.
3. Open back (antimagnetic remains for new model ?? )
Anyway, I need to see new Safari in person for final decision.
Bests
Vit
2. Ivory dial works better with brown accents.
3. Open back (antimagnetic remains for new model ?? )
Anyway, I need to see new Safari in person for final decision.
Bests
Vit
Thanks for your remarks Vit
No question on the pin buckle / wide strap combination. Very comfortable. And the ivory certainly pairs well with the brown.
I am confirming on the amagnetic properties for you, but do not think the open back models offer the same "protected against magnetic fields" resistance that the previous solid back models do.
First generation for me.
I prefer the all white dial and the rubber parts.
That was a cool Watch, but at that time ( and still nowadays ) I was obsessed by the Orchard Road LE...
Best,
And thanks for this nice comparison post!
Nicolas
The original dial is a light cream color
With silverized subdials. Very striking. Also, having the tach ring in the same color as the dial makes it appear a bit larger.
The tantalum cased Orchard Road is one of the heaviest Offshores I have ever held. Wear that for a year and it will stretch your arm I think!
The older one
I prefer the warmth of the dial better, and the rubber pushers and crown adds to the character of the watch. The shiny ceramic bits on the new model seems to be quite cold for me.
I think it depends on each model
When I look at the new "Stealth" model (that is what I think of the grey dial version as), the ceramic accents seem right at home. I would say the same for the most of the other new models too.
But on a "Safari" model, I think rubber fits the theme better. Still, the new Safari is part of the strategy of refinement, and I know in person it will be striking. I can't wait to see it.
Old safari for me...
Just wish it had display back. Some things are made right the first time, the safari is one of them. I mean... What was wrong with the old safari? Also, what's up with date boxes not matching dial? That bugs me.
I think we can refer to the original version as a classic now.
As I replied to Richard, the new model is congruent with the strategy of refinement at AP. Nothing wrong with the previous version for us, but the refreshed model fits in with the new collection.
I would need to see more live pics of the new Safari version
but going on what I see, I do prefer the look of the original one. But I do like the upgraded ceramic parts on the new version though.
Cheers,
Anthony
Me too, and hopefully I can see it in person soon.
There are many exciting details on this refreshed 42mm Royal Oak Offshore collection, and I think they will be best appreciated live.
I much prefer the new version...
For the little details which count a lot... the pushers, the see-through caseback, the perfect combo of colours...
Fx
Fx
Your statement is convincing.
And as you have handled it up close, I know it will be spectacular in person.
Thanks for the additional photos.
I like this new version except for the non-matching black date disc [nt]
No message body
In the new version I don't get the black...
In the new version I don't get the black pushers and crown as nothing else in the watch is black. On the older version that wasn't the case.
This colour mismatch also annoys me on the new 42mm blue version.