Introduction
Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces.
The ref. 14790 Royal Oak is the first to be housed in a 36mm case. After experimentation with varying sizes ranging from 35-37.5mm, this became the standard dimensions used for mid-sized models to come.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak Mid-Size
Movement
Automatic cal. 2325
Reference
14790
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 2000
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Belonging to the Third Series, this particular Royal Oak's dial features shorter hour markers, a recessed Audemars Piguet signature, and an enlarged Tapisserie than its earlier ref. 14790 siblings.
THE CLASP
Particular to this series, the clasp features an elongated (or stretched) Audemars Piguet logo, which was a standard layout for AP bracelets for several years.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Overall condition of the watch is excellent. Dial shows no signs of aging. Markers and hands have the original luminous with a slight matching patina. The bezel and bracelet appear to have been polished previously. Case screw heads in the bezel were not aligned properly when watch was last serviced, as seen in the images. Watch can fit a wrist size of up to 7.25 inches and also comes with 20 links, six of which are removable. The caseback is well-preserved with no signs of damage and its original circular brushed grain.
Our Perspective
I have always been a huge enthusiast of the mid-sized Royal Oaks, as they are not only exceptionally well priced, but also elegantly proportioned. This example features the white dial, which undeniably gives it a modern twist. This particular variation has grown exponentially in my appreciation, as I feel it would also for both modern and vintage collectors alike. The overall condition of the watch implies that a great deal of care was taken in the handling of the piece, and was perhaps only occasionally worn by its previous owners.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
