Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST Blue Tapisserie Dial

Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces. The 14790 Royal Oak is the first to be housed in a 36mm case. After experimentation with varying sizes ranging from 35-37.5mm, this became the standard dimensions used for mid-sized models to come. Brand : Audemars Piguet Dimensions : 36mm Model : Royal Oak Movement : Automatic cal. 2325 Reference : 14790ST Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet Year : Circa 2000 Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Blue THE DIAL Belonging to the Third Series, this particular example's blue dial features a shorter hour marker, a recessed Audemars Piguet signature, and an enlarged tapisserie. THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting the Royal Oak's iconic octagonal screw-laden bezel, integrated bracelet, and tonneau-shaped case in a compact 36mm size, the ref. 14790ST perfectly translates the Royal Oak's iconic design in a mid-size package. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.