Advertisement

RB II - The Formula One Inspired Watch

Sep 23, 2016,22:08 PM
 

The RB II needs no introduction.  It is THE BOSS of all Royal Oak  Offshores!  Its design is the boldest statement in the Offshore range. The rest are merely paying homage to the RB II. The Montoya may have been the break out piece, but the RB II perfected it in my opinion.  It's aggressive, perfectly sculpted, dynamic, sporty, hi-tech - everything an Offshore aspires to be!







Because I'm a huge Formula One fan, this watch is my absolute favouirite.  That's because every element of the RB II was inspired by Formula One technology.

1.  Engineering cues:

The ceramic bezel and titanium case reflects the exotic, hi-tech materials used in F1 to eliminate weight.


2.  Design cues:

I.  The Ceramic Bezel: inspired by carbon brake discs found in most F1 cars





Ii. Ceramic pushers: Inspired by the rear diffusers in F1 cars:





III.  Crown: inspired by the design of wheel nuts on F1 rims





IV. Titanium case back: inspired by the design of the racing rims used on F1 cars




V.  Hinge on watch straps: inspired by the pedals in a F1 car



VI.  The Sub Dials:  Inspired by the instrument clutter, similar to the one in the legendary McLaren F1





VII.  Watch strap: paying homage to racing gloves of yesteryear.


This why I reckon the RB II is the greatest Offshore. The greatest race inspired watch. Ever.  If you ever need only one Offshore, the RB II would be high up on your list. 




Thanks for reading!!!

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread 

I am not a fan of Formula 1. Most of time, it helps me to sleep when I watch a Grand Prix :-)

 
By: Alkiro1 : September 23rd, 2016-23:13
But I love how you described the RB II with Formula 1 pics and pieces. Great idea so thank you for non initiated like me. Best wishes Alkiro

Thanks Akiro1!!!

 
By: AyrtonSenna777 : September 23rd, 2016-23:45
Yes, F1 can be really boring to the unitiaited. I'd never thought i would get into watches as well, but as with all well engineered products, there are so many similarities., Thanks for your kind words!!!

Very nice article here.

 
By: MichaelC : September 24th, 2016-08:12
You make a strong case. I have stated the RBII is my favorite Offshore (even though I could care less about F1). I can argue that AP's Grand Prix is a more dedicated F1 watch than the RBII, and if I loved F1 the way I love other things, I would certainly ... 

Fantastic Post

 
By: logan2z : September 24th, 2016-13:14
I love F1 but I didn't realize all of the inspiration from the sport's technology that made it's way into the RB. Such a fantastic watch that I would love to own some day.

It was my grail too!

 
By: AyrtonSenna777 : September 24th, 2016-22:07
I was blessed to have had the opportunity to meet a collector who wanted to sell his RB II and I jumped at a chance because it's not every day you get to buy an RB II! Here's hoping yours will come along real soon, my friend!

I always loved the RB2 in rose gold and Montoya in titanium.

 
By: BABKA : October 10th, 2016-13:07
This was a great piece for it's time and still holds well even by today's standards. Your lowdown is quite good and thanks for taking the time to make the post! it was very much enjoyed.

Thanks so much, BABKA!

 
By: AyrtonSenna777 : October 13th, 2016-19:50
Every watch has so much that's unknown and unsaid about the engineering and design processes to bring it to life. I thought it would be fun to explain what I thought went into the thought process for the RB II. Glad you enjoyed it!!!

I surely did.

 
By: BABKA : October 19th, 2016-13:38
Thanks for taking the time for this! I'm sure many will refer back to it as I will throughout the year