The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Let me save you some reading if you are in a hurry; I have had this watch for about a week now and I honestly believe this is the best watch in it's class, bar none!

Here is a list of what I find to be the most notable features of this watch:

1- Design: The original Gerald Genta design that was the original Royal Oak stood the test of the time, and those watches are still classics and will remain as such for a long time in my opinion. However by todays standards that watch is more of a dress and formal watch than a sporty piece, so the evolution into the Royal Oak Offshore came about, and I personally love it! The octagonal bezel, the three piece case construction, the elongated base and exposed screws..... all very sporty yet very classy and understated at the same time!

2- The colour combination: The Safari does not have a white or silver dial, more of an off-white cream dial that is perfectly matched by the brown mahogany-like strap. Just an incredibly gorgeous and appealing look that fits everything!

3- Case Finish: I currently own a few nice watches, but none of them even comes close to the grade of finish that can be found on this watch. I am sorry that I do not have my macro lens and light kit to show you guys the level of attention to detail evident on this watch but I would not be able to tell the difference between an AP finish and a Patek finish. The brushed and polished surfaces have a uniformity and sheen that is difficult to explain, but the watch just exudes quality.

4- Dial, hands, and Sapphire: The dial surface has a slight checkered texture that adds interest to the dial without adding complexity, and the layout of the logo, subdials, date, and numerals is just perfect, feels like a very balanced piece! The crystal is excellent and the AR coating seems to be on par with Breitling quality (which is saying something) I do not know what the material they made the hands and numerals out of but it looks like some sort of fine gemstone, like black onyx with silver lining. VERY beautiful and adds to the luxurious feel of the watch.

5- Strap: The search for the best strap is over! AP Straps are nothing short of extraordinary! Up untill now I thought JLC and Breitling made the best straps but compared to this piece of art they feel like they came from a cereal box! The texture, colour, and sheen of the straps shows great care and attention was paid in the choosing of the hides and the production of the straps. The pictures below do not do the strap justice, but I will get better ones when I get back home.

6- IN HOUSE movement: Although there has been some debate on here about this, I can now confirm that the latest two series of Safaris do indeed have the AP fully in house chronograph calibre!!! The only criticism against this watch can now be laid to rest. The older ones had the modified JLC movement, which AP no longer uses.

I guess this sounds more like a love letter than a "review" but I honestly believe this is the best watch to be had under 20K bar none, and I would prefer it to many watches double its value.

Here are some crappy snaps, more to come soon:




























Quick one of my other purchase, more pics and a review soon:

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Certified watch nut.

Congrats Altair - it's great to find a watch that is so perfect for you. Also good to hear that AP has gone completely in house here (finally).

I hadn't really paid a lot of attention to AP straps, but that one really does look like very goos quality, and I completely understand about the way that the colours work together.

Like the strap on the B&R too.

Thans Roff. Yeah I think I found a new favorite in my collection.

The strap on the B&R is an after market Ted Su, I like it better than the OEM one, though it doesnt taper to the case.

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Certified watch nut.

Fantastic watch - mate I am just in awe.

Congrats. Cant wait to see your lightbox shots.

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PAM359M | PAM311L | PAM305L | PAM219M | PAM292K

Congrats Altair, looks great on and off the wrist. Definitely a superior piece.

I like the B&R too.

I tried one one at my AD. You are right - the pics don't do the strap justice. It is much finer and at the same time more rugged than the pics reveal. The ROO's hornback alligator straps are like nothing else. The clasp is more versitile than the Breitling deployment. Then again it's an $18K watch.

Didn't Genta also design the PP Nautilus?

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SHARKMAN

Very nice indeed Altair, but damn you for telling us that they now have in-house movements!! Arrrgh!!!! That now means that the ONLY reason for me not to buy one is a lack of cash!!!!

No in all seriousness, money aside, the lack of an in-house movement was the only thing that prevented me from wanting to own one, but you've just blown that out of the water. The Safari is without doubt the best of the bunch IMO, and the colours just work superbly. I've never been able to try an AP, but even from looking at your pics I see that the quality of that strap is something else. I think I officially NEED one now!

Many congrats Altair - how on earth are you going top it?!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

WOW. Sick watch, as in awesome. Nice work on that one.

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SUPER AVENGER Arabic # White Dial
SUPER AVENGER Baton White Dial
SkyRacer Slate Dial
Avenger Seawolf Blk Dial
SuperOcean Blk Dial
HUBLOT BIG BANG KING
ROLEX:SS Datejust White Dial Dia. Bez
PANERAI:Ferrari Scuderia GMT

Very nice Altair!

I really like the octagonal bezel - very unique. The brushed finish on top makes it look tougher, a little more "tool" IMO, good stuff. AP's best model IMO.

A couple questions: is there any Lume? I can't tell with the black markers. What is the material on the black colored crown and push pieces? Have you taken it off yet?

With a 75% discount I'm in! LOL!
Enjoy
Terry

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Absolutely amazing watch; congrats. The Safari is probably the most elegant of the Offshore line, and at the same time manages to be every bit as manly as the others in the Offshore family. I am determined to make an Offshore my next watch and with your positive words it is become increasingly more set in stone. Congrats again on such a masterpiece of a watch.

Beautiful watch Altair, glad your so happy with it!

Cheers

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

Thanks all.



I thought you might like it I suggest you dont try one on Driver, lest you spend as many sleepless nights as I have

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Certified watch nut.

Nope no lume Kodiak, at least nothing significant. I will have to do a check tonight.

The material between the case pieces and on the pushers is hard rubber I think, feels tought but not very reflective so I am pretty sure it is rubber coated steel. And no I have not taken it off yet

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Certified watch nut.

Congrat!!! LOVE the straps!! Also love the BR combo & look forward to your review o that one!

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a few Pams...

Congratulations Altair. Glad you love the piece and great review, good to learn about AP.

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Happines is Good Health and a Bad Memory.
"Ingrid Bergman"