18
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 14789BA
Royal Oak
A very rare and precious yellow gold wristwatch with openworked dial, hand-engraved movement, bracelet and self-winding box, one of only 34 examples produced
Full-Cataloguing
- Only 34 examples of the present reference were produced in yellow gold
- Featuring a fully openworked and hand-engraved movement
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 14789BA is one of those watches that takes a familiar design and pushes it in a completely different direction. Introduced in 1992 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the reference brought together the model's instantly recognizable case with an exceptionally elaborate openworked movement.
At the center of the watch is the ultra-thin automatic caliber 2120SQ. With the dial largely opened up, the movement becomes the main attraction, revealing its hand skeletonized, engraved, and beveled bridges. The work involved in skeletonizing the movement was incredibly demanding, requiring around 150 hours of manual craftsmanship. Rather than simply decorating the movement, the openworked design allows the mechanics to become the dial itself.
The diamond-set hands are an especially charming detail. Against the openworked background, they add a subtle touch of brilliance without taking away from the movement.
The present watch is particularly rare. Only 40 examples of reference 14789 were produced between 1992 and 2003, including just 34 in yellow gold. With its rarity, elegant 39mm proportions, openworked caliber, and diamond-set hands, the present watch is a particularly sought-after example among collectors.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A 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.