Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1999 Reference No: 14790BC Movement No: 437'366 Case No: D60889.0088 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 2225, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming sale date on 07 April 1999, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 14790 was in production from 1992 to 2005. Housing the automatic caliber 2125 and 2225 it remained the central model in the Royal Oak collection until it was replaced by reference 15300. The model can be divided into 3 series 1st Series (1992): the dial features a vintage style Audemars Piguet signature with a flat A, "Petite Tapisserie" dial and long indexes 2nd Series (1993-2000): the Audemars Piguet signature is enlarged and features a pointed top A, "Petite Tapisserie" dial and long indexes 3rd Series (2000-2005): the Audemars Piguet signature is similar to the 2nd Series but the dial features "Grande Tapisserie" motif and short indexes.
The present timepiece - from the 2nd series - is an incredibly rare execution in white gold of which only a handful are known to exist. Furthermore it remains in excellent condition with strong proportions and sharp angles. The present reference 14790 is one of the rarest iterations of this central reference.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.