Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1996
    Reference No: 14790ST
    Movement No: 426'005
    Case No: D-61818 further engraved N° 1742
    Model Name: Royal Oak
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 2125, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet measuring 190mm max
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre, service papers and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Whereas the 39mm Royal Oak in all iterations, metals and references seems to garner the most attention from collectors, there are some lesser known gems of a more restrained size that deserve the same attention as well,one of them being the reference 14790, which at 36mm wears rather large on the wrist.

    In 1978, Audemars Piguet released 4100, a smaller version of the original and now iconic ref. 5402 Royal Oak. During the following years, Audemars Piguet continued experimenting with the smaller size for the Royal Oaks, be it 33 or 35mm, with mechanical or quartz movements in different case metals and dial variations.

    Collectors consider the reference 14790 as the ultimate mid-size Royal Oak, in production from 1992-2005, came in three different series and, each differentiated by small design differences. The present example from 1996 is part of the second series that differentiates itself from the others thanks to the slightly larger “tapisserie” dial.

    The present watch impresses due to its impeccable state of preservation, with a sharp crisp case, sharp angles and a stunning tropical dial that has maintained its grey color on the outer periphery as well as the centre providing for a visually arresting effect.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

    View More Works

93

Ref. 14790ST
A very attractive and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet and copper "tropical" dial

1996
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€14,000-23,300
$16,200-27,000

Sold for CHF39,060

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021