Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1990 Reference No: 14544BC Movement No: 321'767 Case No: C68031.26 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K white gold, diamonds and emeralds Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2131, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 180mm 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 dated March 02, 2021 and service papers. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 14544 is a gemset variant of reference 14486 housing the automatic caliber 2131 and made in around 102 pieces from 1988-1992.
Lavish, dazzling, and utterly spectacular, this reference 14544BC is festooned with emeralds and diamonds on the dial. This version is particularly rare due to the baguette emeralds on the dial, which brings another level of glamour and exclusivity to the piece. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this specific dial configuration has appeared on the international auction market. A very early piece, the watch itself is preserved in wonderful condition, with all hallmarks and numbers crisp and visible on the case back. The bracelet barely shows any signs of wear and remains rigid and right. Vintage Audemars Piguet pieces are highly sensitive to polishing, yet this piece remains in excellent condition as the lug holes are a sizable difference from the bevels on the case. Vintage Audemars Piguet timepieces in white precious metal are extremely rare, and this piece is a testament to the manufacturer's design ingenuity.
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.