Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 14800 Case No: D95900, No. 1118 Model Name: Royal Oak “Military” dial Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2225, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
The present example is a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak fitted with a military dial featuring luminous Arabic numerals, hour markers and hands. The model was first introduced in stainless steel and the present example was introduced later with a diamond-set bezel. The present example combines both luxury and sporty appeal through the use of materials and dial design.
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.