Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2002 Reference No: 14790ST Movement No: 536'378 Case No: E72286.7219 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal 2225, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Register. Furthermore accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 14790 was in production from 1992 to 2005. Housing the automatic caliber 2125 and 2225 it remained the central model in the Royal Oak collection until it was replaced by reference 15300. The model can be divided into 3 series 1st Series (1992): the dial features a vintage style Audemars Piguet signature with a flat A, "Petite Tapisserie" dial and long indexes. 2nd Series (1993-2000): the Audemars Piguet signature is enlarged and features a pointed top A, "Petite Tapisserie" dial and long indexes. 3rd Series (2000-2005): the Audemars Piguet signature is similar to the 2nd Series but the dial features "Grande Tapisserie" motif and short indexes.
The present reference 14790 very visibly differentiates itself by its canary yellow dial. When it was launched in 1992 the model was presented in very traditional combinations; later, a small batch was launched sporting the three primary colors: Red, Blue and Yellow. We are indeed very honored to present the three colors together with lots 12 and 81. In addition to being radically modern with a "Grande Tapisserie" pattern and small indexes, the addition of color quite uncommon within the Royal Oak collection adds immense panache to this watch. According to research, yellow is the rarest dial color of the reference.
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.