1/14
Lot #1007

Audemars Piguet Stainless Steel Royal Oak Automatic Ref. 14790

How do I bid? Start here

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 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.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$12,000 – $18,000

The Details

Brand

Audemars Piguet

Dimensions

36mm

Model

Royal Oak

Movement

Self-Winding caliber 2325

Reference

14790

Bracelet

Stainless Steel

Year

1999

Condition

Light Surface Scratches

Material

Stainless Steel

Included

Watch Only

Dial Color

White

THE DIAL

Belonging to the Third Series, this particular dial features a shorter hour marker, recessed Audemars Piguet signature, and an enlarged tapisserie.

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

The overall condition of the watch is wonderful. The dial shows no signs of aging whatsoever. The markers and hands have the original luminosity. The bezel and bracelet appear to have been polished previously, with some light hairline scratches. It can fit a wristsize of up to 7.5 inches, and also comes with seven removable links. The caseback has some larger abrasions which are not deep and can easily be removed by a professional polisher.

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