What a great read

Aug 28, 2010,07:56 AM
 

Thanks a lot, Daos, for this very vivid and entertaining article. You make excellent points for your "case", and your writing is full of charm and humour. Well done!

And I praise you for acknowledging that the ROOs are not to everyone's taste.

Sven

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Royal Oak Offshore Montauk Highway - On the Wrist Review by Daos

 
 By: ThomasM : August 26th, 2010-20:04
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Montauk Highway limited edition - Complementary Contradictions: Daos' On The Wrist review Please leave a note of thanks to Daos for her tasteful insights into a very intriguing design of complementary contradictions Brav...  

The opinions, info and photography...

 
 By: BDLJ : August 26th, 2010-21:04
....in reviews like this are one of the highlights of this site. Even when the watch isn't to my taste. Excellent job, Daos. Particularly the examination (and photography) of the differing case finishes.

:-) Thanks!

 
 By: dxboon : August 26th, 2010-21:33
Nice of you to read the article and leave a comment. I appreciate it. The watch was very fun to wear, although understandably it's a bold piece and won't be to everyone's taste. Thanks for looking! Cheers, Daos

On your wrist...

 
 By: BDLJ : August 26th, 2010-22:12
...yes ...On my wrist...No I probably already know the answer, but does it have any lume?

I honestly never noticed any.

 
 By: dxboon : August 26th, 2010-22:38
This seems more like a daytime watch to me. Cheers, Daos

Yup...

 
 By: BDLJ : August 26th, 2010-23:49
...that blue infill on the hands and numbers looked too glossy and bright to be lume. Thanks again, Daos.

Some comments from me …

 
 By: AndrewD : August 26th, 2010-22:49
Thanks Daos, Both the watch and your review were a lot of fun. I had the pleasure of playing with the Montauk while visiting LA last month and as you rightly say, it is certainly a watch that you notice and have a response to, either positive or negative....  

Great review.

 
 By: Ginger : August 27th, 2010-15:17
Daos, your reviews really help me understand what it feels like to wear a particular watch, even one I would never consider for myself. Thanks. I can see how this one would have excited the "girl on the street". Best, Ginger

The girls at the office loved it!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-10:22
You know, I think it's the combo of pale blue -- reminiscent of a jewelry box from Tiffany, perhaps -- and the unusual bezel shape paired with fashionable white rubber strap that intrigues. For non-WIS, AP ROOs are a newfangled watch experience! Cheers, D... 

Nobody wants to see me in a bikini! LOL!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-00:29
I'll dig up some press pictures of the La Perla models sporting this watch from the Montauk launch party for you, perhaps! You don't think it would go with a nice seersucker suit? I think the blue striped seersucker fabric would perfectly echo the watch's... 

It's just me!

 
 By: AndrewD : August 28th, 2010-05:47
Actually I meant that I couldn't pull it off in a seersucker suit. It's just not me. I know I have rabbited on in the past about having variety across my watches for different occasions, but when it comes down to it, I am not man enough for this watch! Bu... 

The watch world does need more daring souls!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-10:24
We've got Cen and Bernard, of course! That's two, for sure! LOL! I admire folks who walk to the beat of a different drummer. Not every model is going to work for every person, anyhow! There's nothing wrong with that. Cheers, Daos

This is one strange phenomenon about Offshores

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : August 28th, 2010-09:45
Some don't like how it looks on their own wrist, mainly in part to how large the watch wears on the wrist. But in actuality, from far away, the Offshore looks fine on their wrists. It's just a mental thing I guess that needs to be deconstructed. - AT

True, true.

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-10:26
The same could maybe be said of Panerai, don't you think? Cheers, Daos

Yes I guess

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : August 28th, 2010-14:05
if you're referring to the 47mm Panerai's. When you compare a 44mm Panerai to an Offshore, seems like more people will be afraid to wear the Offshore than the Panerai IMO. Cheers, Anthony

Yes, I mean the 47mm PAMs.

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-19:27
There seems to be this mental barrier for some when they hear the words, "forty-seven millimeters." Cheers, Daos

One thing is certain, Daos: Your review is awesome.

 
 By: amanico : August 26th, 2010-23:09
I'm puzzled, Sister, by this superbly written article. As for the watch, like any other ROO ( at the exception of the Orchard Road and the new Diver ), I have mixed feelings, and I think I have to better work the topic before any definitive judgement, so ... 

Well, the Orchard Road is my favorite ROO...

 
 By: dxboon : August 27th, 2010-00:01
...so I can certainly see how you might forgive its volume (Yes, also 44mm, like the Montauk.), but doesn't the dark tantalum, gray dial, and black rubber bezel seem somehow slimming on that timepiece? It's such a great combination of colors. Plus the blo... 

Elegance?

 
 By: Park : August 27th, 2010-07:07
Nicolas, I believe there is consensus among those who like the RO at all that the Jumbo--particularly your Jumbo--is an elegant watch. Elegance is a primary attribute and attraction of the watch. Some of us sacrifice a bit of that elegance for the functio... 

I had a lot of fun when reading the last part of your answer, Park.

 
 By: amanico : August 27th, 2010-07:56
I think we share the same point, here, about the ROO. But, as I said, this is a topic I don't know very well, and I have to do my homework before giving a definitive opinion on these ROOs. Can't agree with you, the jumbo is all except Coca, Rugby or a Tab... 

Very nice review and photography, Daos.

 
 By: mkvc : August 27th, 2010-08:02
Did you do any performance testing? I'm curious to know how the watch kept time.

I didn't do any formal testing...

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-10:28
...but in the three weeks on my wrist I didn't feel the need to make any adjustments in the time display at all. It kept perfectly good time by my standards! Cheers, Daos PS -- wondering if that dear wife of yours is back in town. Let's all meet up soon f... 

well done! Daos..

 
 By: ocwatching : August 27th, 2010-08:35
I was looking forward to this since the SoCal BBQ GTG... Nice work and great photos... its definately a unique piece in the ROO line...

Definitely a unique piece in the AP portfolio...

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-11:18
...but I love that this particular color scheme is paired with the inherently masculine characteristics of the Offshore. The finishing on all the metal parts of the case was wonderful to experience, as well. Cheers, Daos

Well done.

 
 By: tee530 : August 27th, 2010-11:07
A very enjoyable and thorough review; thanks Daos! I can clearly picture this watch going well with a seersucker suit, bow tie, straw boater hat, and white nubuck shoes. (To dress down, substitute seersucker shorts for the suit trousers and omit socks!) S... 

Tom, I loved reading your response!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-23:21
You paint quite the picture -- I can almost imagine myself attending a collegiate regatta with you in tow (dressed to the nines, naturally)! The Montauk's color scheme is not going to be for everyone, although I actually found that I had a lot of clothes ... 

What a splendid and colorful review...

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : August 27th, 2010-11:12
...love it and love this TOO that be yet another limited edition... but beautiful anyway Thankyou for this great review Cheers Hans P.S. imho is the strap version the nicest one..

I like the strap too!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-23:31
I would have liked to see the watch on both strap options in order to compare them. The hornback in the press pictures looks so nice. After wearing the 57th Street ROO with hornback strap for a day, I think I would've preferred it on the Montauk also. Che... 

Outstanding review . . . Thanks Daos!!!! [nt]

 
 By: Craig LA : August 27th, 2010-12:22
No message body

I appreciate it, Craig!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-23:26
Thanks for taking a look at the article, and leaving a note. Cheers, Daos

love all these experiential reports,

 
 By: Hororgasm : August 27th, 2010-13:50
esp one as well written as this. thks for sharing

Thanks for the nice comments!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-23:26
I think experiencing a watch in the flesh often changes one's viewpoint of the timepiece. I find that I tend to appreciate watches more after wearing them. Thanks so much for reading! Cheers, Daos

Terrific Post! Thanks for the great review and PIX! [nt]

 
 By: Ancienne Le Brassus : August 27th, 2010-16:31
No message body

Thanks, Sebastian!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-00:58
I appreciate you taking a look, and leaving the kind words for me. Cheers, Daos

Thanks, Salman!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-00:57
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading! Cheers, Daos

Fabulous review Daos! *clap clap*

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : August 27th, 2010-21:48
Really great review of the AP Montauk Offshore. If I had reviewed the watch, I definitely wouldn't be able to write as much as you have. Lovely touches with your plethora of personal opinion. Awesome! Even though Offshores look essentially the same, all t... 

Honestly, I love the variety in the Offshore family.

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-00:56
Thanks for the nice words, Anthony. They are much appreciated. I definitely agree that a Montoya or Barrichello 2 would be a very different creature on the wrist, as compared to the Montauk. For that matter, how about a Survivor? IMO there's no femininity... 

Fantastic review!

 
 By: BABKA : August 28th, 2010-01:40
Thanks for the wonderful pics too!

You're welcome!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-19:30
I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Every once in a while I get lucky with the pictures. It happened once or twice during this photo shoot! It was a very difficult watch to shoot for me (I'm sure the better photogs on the site would've had no problems) while... 

Thanks!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-19:31
I appreciate your nice words, and I'm really happy you read the article! Cheers, Daos

Great write-up!

 
 By: RobCH : August 28th, 2010-03:14
...and great looking watch. I'm normally not a big fan of white rubber straps, but with that piece it's perfect!

I agree!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-19:33
I've never been at one of my local watch shops and been floored by any of the watches on white rubber straps/bracelets, but with the Montauk it just felt right -- perfect for summer especially! Cheers, Daos

Fab review!!

 
 By: Mal0ne : August 28th, 2010-05:24
Awesome review I love this colour combination and have been searching for an in depth review on the Montauk offshore. I seriously am considering pulling the trigger on this watch think im going to add it to my NEED list J

Cool!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-11:41
Glad I could provide some thoughts to add to your considerations. The Montauk is certainly a piece that merits a second look. My guess is that the Montauk will never become the ROO you see on everyone else's wrist -- that's a good thing IMO. Cheers, Daos

What a great read

 
 By: allegro : August 28th, 2010-07:56
Thanks a lot, Daos, for this very vivid and entertaining article. You make excellent points for your "case", and your writing is full of charm and humour. Well done! And I praise you for acknowledging that the ROOs are not to everyone's taste. Sven

Hi, Sven!

 
 By: dxboon : August 28th, 2010-11:36
Thanks for reading! The ROO is a timepiece with a very in-your-face, audacious approach to design, so it makes sense that the watch can't appeal to all. This is, of course, part of its charm for me! I appreciate you taking a look at the article and leavin... 

A colourful review Daos.....

 
 By: MiniCooper : August 29th, 2010-12:01
Thank you for a great job..... I like the watch but have two conerns..... It is a tad too big for my wrist and the colour combination, although interesting, they could "fade away" after some time.... Thanks again... Cheers

I don't know...

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-00:43
...if I'd want this for my one and only ROO because the dial colors could be considered too fashionable by some, but I do like the light blue. It's definitely a watch with large wrist presence, so I can see why you'd be hesitant about that aspect of it! C... 

I really like the colours on the Montauk!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : August 29th, 2010-13:36
Makes me think of ice or ice-cream! I really like it with white strap – a Blomman summer watch! Thanks for a great review! Best Blomman

The white strap is very summery...

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:11
...I agree, Blomman! I actually didn't think of ice cream, but instead of jewelry boxes from Tiffany. That's probably because I'm a girl and jewelry is always on the brain. LOL! Cheers, Daos

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend… :) [nt]

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : August 31st, 2010-08:06
No message body

Thanks a lot Daos for your excellent post !

 
 By: foversta : August 29th, 2010-13:37
Here are my pics of this watch: Fr.Xavier...  

FX, dearest...

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:15
...why didn't you mention that you had these great pictures before I posted!? I could've incorporated them into my review! I particularly like your wristshot! The blue on your shirt is particularly nice with the light blue on the dial. Thanks for showing ... 

excellent review!!

 
 By: mjnoumoff : August 29th, 2010-20:15
Excellent review/post Daos! A true pleasure to read and learn about your experiences with this watch. I have been thinking about acquiring a Montauk Highway and this information will be used when I try the watch on again.....

Lovely!

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:17
Please let us know what you end up with. I just saw another post from a fellow forum member wearing his Montauk in the mountains of Utah. It looks great and rugged on the wrist. Good luck with your watch shopping! Thanks for checking out my post! Cheers, ... 

Very nice Daos

 
 By: JerryW : August 29th, 2010-20:43
Wonderful review and GREAT photos. JerryW This message has been edited by JerryW on 2010-08-29 20:44:32

Thanks, Jerry!

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:21
Hope you are enjoying these last few days of summer. Thanks for taking a look at my article. I really love the dials on these Offshores. I also wore the 57th Street for a day and that was a pretty ROO, as well. There's a lot of depth to the AP dial. I'm d... 

Watch out

 
 By: JerryW : August 31st, 2010-20:41
AP's are very addictive. JerryW

LOL! I think you speak from personal experience!

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-21:19
Consider me warned, Jerry! Boy, they are attractive watches though! Cheers, Daos

re: Montauk

 
 By: DRMW : August 29th, 2010-22:49
Cool post Daos! While not my favorite in the ROO line, IMO the light blue shade of color is much better in person. Thanks for the review! -MW

Much prettier in person.

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:23
I agree, MW. The aqua accents are much nicer in person -- they are like a robin's egg blue. Very pretty. It was a tough watch to photograph. I took tons of pictures and only a third of them were usable. Cheers, Daos

Thanks for sharing...

 
 By: Goh : August 30th, 2010-00:31
this wonderful and comprehensive review... Cool watch with a nice touch of blue. Goh

A lovely report Daos.................

 
 By: Topcat30093 : August 30th, 2010-01:51
And with some great photos. Thanks for taking the time to construct such an excellent review. I must admit, that the piece would not be to my tastes, but all the same I did like the contrast between the dial and the strap.

It was my first watch...

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:27
...on a white strap, so that was a very unique experience for me. The strap was very stylish though, and caught the eye of many female co-workers. I thought the phenomenon quite intriguing. Cheers, Daos

Thank YOU for reading my post!

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-01:26
I love the touches of light blue on the dial of this timepiece. It's just so fresh and fun. The blue is very different than the colors we often see on watches, so I realize the dial either elicits groans of displeasure or smiles of appreciation. Cheers, D... 

After reading through your review for the third time....

 
 By: boa2 : August 30th, 2010-05:00
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. I've always had such a fondness for this piece, and your review only deepens my appreciation for it.

*blushing*

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-08:33
Your note was so nice! Glad you enjoyed the write-up, and that you like the watch. It's actually a very cool piece. I wonder if it will ever find a following, but as ROOs go I found it quite unique. Cheers, Daos

A beautiful watch, an even better review!

 
 By: patrick_y : August 30th, 2010-23:42
I have to say, I like the Montauk highway after I reading the review and seeing the watch in person. However, I would still prefer to wear the other Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches that don't have such bright colors since the colors of the Mont... 

Thanks, Patrick!

 
 By: dxboon : August 31st, 2010-08:40
I appreciate your insights and response to the review. I enjoyed wearing the watch. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the ROO as a horological design, and for AP in general. The Montauk's color scheme is perhaps more difficult to match with business su... 

I'm reminded of Norman Podhoretz's opening line . . .

 
 By: Dr No : August 31st, 2010-10:18
. . . from "Making It": "One of the longest journeys in the world is the journey from Brooklyn to Manhattan - or at least from certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn to certain parts of Manhattan." Podhoretz isn't referring to the Montauk Highway, and moreover... 

The simple answer to your question is, yes...

 
 By: dxboon : September 1st, 2010-01:24
...I find the basic aesthetics presented by the ROO attractive. I felt this way before trying on the Montauk. While I didn't discuss it in my article, I actually immediately felt the visual push-pull of the concept you touch upon in your post -- squaring ... 

Thanks for the review.

 
 By: Krieng : September 1st, 2010-22:55
Nicely done and wonderful pics as well. Thanks and Cheers

Hi, Krieng!

 
 By: dxboon : September 2nd, 2010-00:57
Thanks for taking a look, and I'm glad you liked the photos. I thought the Montauk was hard to photograph. The aqua blue color on the dial is actually very pretty in real life, so I worked hard to try and get that feature across to all of you in my photos...