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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 2125
Reference
14800BA
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Fitted with a champagne dial that boasts 18kt yellow gold hands and indices, the ref. 14800BA's display is the perfect match for its 18kt yellow gold case.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting an interesting construction for a Royal Oak, the ref. 14800BA features a different lug design from the Royal Oak's typical lug design, whereby its lugs take a more typical approach to merging onto the leather strap via the outsides of the strap.
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
Watch is in excellent overall condition. There are some superficial scratches on the case but otherwise near-mint with sharp edges and bezel. Case has developed a warm and pleasing patina. Champagne dial is in near-mint condition with no visible damage. Watch comes with original AP deplpyant buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An unusual Royal Oak variant that you don't see very often, the ref. 14800BA is a rare sight indeed, with its unusual lugs and precious metal construction ensuring that it is a wonderful collector's piece, and at 36mm it is perfectly wearable too.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
