Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1990 Reference No: 14700ST Movement No: 340'321 Case No: C82185.001 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal 2125, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, further signed Gay Frères Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Register, box with outer packaging. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
As Audemars Piguet was continuing testing new case sizes for the Royal Oak, it presented reference 14700 with a 36mm case in 1990. The watch was in production for only a few years until it was discontinued in 1998.
To own the first watch of a certain model is of enormous importance to a collector. This timepiece indeed represents such an opportunity, as its caseback proudly proclaims, it is the very first example of ref 14700: no. 001.
Adding to this unique, incredibly collectible trait, the watch is offered in superb condition of both case and dial: the edges are as sharp as ever, the bevels perfectly defined, the engraving to the back crisp and unmolested, and the dial absolutely flawless. The icing on the cake comes from the presence of its original guarantee and box, making this full set, perfectly preserved No. 001 specimen a treasure trove for the discerning collector.
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.