Lot #1939
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14916BA Sapphire Baguette Bezel Diamond Pave YG Case
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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 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Service Papers and Archive
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 2125
Reference
14916BA
Bracelet
Blue leather strap
Year
2001
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, archive papers, AP service invoice and AP factory box
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Fitted with a blue dial that boasts 18kt yellow gold hands and diamond-set indices, the ref. 14916BA's display is the perfect match for its 18kt yellow gold case and blue sapphire-set bezel.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting an interesting construction for a Royal Oak, the ref. 14916BA 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. Additionally, it boasts diamond-set lugs and dial and a sapphire-set bezel to match the shade of blue used on its dial and leather 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 near-mint overall condition. There are some small marks on the edge of the bezel, but the watch appears otherwise immaculate. A warm patina has developed on the edges of the case. Blue dial with diamond indexes is near-mint, having no visible marks. Watch was recently returned from AP having undergone an overhaul and request for archive.
Our Perspective
An unusual Royal Oak variant that you don't see very often, the ref. 14916BA is a rare sight indeed, with its unusual diamond-set lugs, sapphire-set bezel, and bright blue diamond-set dial atop its precious metal construction; it is a wonderful collector's piece that represents the pinnacle of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
