Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1997 Reference No: 14812BA Movement No: 407'252 Case No: D60610.684 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K yellow gold, diamonds and onyx Calibre: Automatic, cal 2125, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 14812 is an ultra elusive reference made around 1995 featuring stone dials.
Gem-set Royal Oak timepieces are exquisitely uncommon, but even more uncommon are Royal Oak watches fitted with hardstone dials. Thus, the present watch can be considered an absolute rarity, given that it incorporates in its dial both diamond-pavé and onyx. The aesthetic result is as powerful as the watch is scarce; the shimmering of the diamonds finds its polar opposite in the pitch black central onyx disc, with the result that both materials mutually reinforce each other’s presence.
The luxurious yellow gold case emphasizes the top-tier level of the watch and grants it a warmth that would be most likely very much missed with a white metal case.
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.