Audemars Piguet Royal Oak REF. 14486 - MID-SIZE
STRAIGHT FACTS
It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no reason that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world.
What’s better than a Royal Oak? How about a solid-gold Royal Oak?
The present example is a reference 14486, which was first introduced in 1986 as part of the 'mid-size' Royal Oak family. The reference was only made available in steel and gold, or solid gold. Naturally, we feel solid gold is the way to go here. Its hallmarks are extremely crisp and strong - matching the overall condition of the case which shows signs of a gentle polish in the past. The bracelet, which is silky smooth and melds to your wrist, shows no signs of stretch and the dial is in superb condition throughout.
These watches strike the perfect balance between the size and value proposition that a Royal Oak can offer. It is also one of the rarest mid-size Royal Oak family members. The weight of the solid gold makes this wear far larger than it is while still fitting the wrist in a more comfortable way than a full size 39mm Royal Oak which can fit a little odd on some wrists due to how flat it is.
Like we said, What’s better than a Royal Oak? A solid-gold Royal Oak. Full stop.
About The Brand
A Member of the vaunted ‘Holy-Trinity’ of watchmakers, the story of Audemars Piguet dates back to 1875 whenJules Audemars and Edward Piguet founded the company. While they were known for their highly elegant and complex watches for decades - it was the advent of the Royal Oak in 1972 that moved the brand into the heights where it currently resides. Not one to rest on its laurels, AP also has a beautiful lineup of RE-mastered vintage pieces, and used its more avant-garde Code 11:59 case to highlight its dazzling array of dial techniques, and complex movements.
The Nitty Gritty
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Ref: 14486 - mid size
Year: 1986
Case Diameter: 35mm
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Case Condition: Gently polished with no significant nicks or scratches.
Dial Condition: Flawless, like new condition.
Movement: Audemars Piguet Calibre 2130
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Integrated Audemars Piguet Bracelet with no-stretch.
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.Audemars Piguet Royal Oak REF. 14486 - MID-SIZE
$
36,450
Basic Info
Listing code JG0LV4
Brand Audemars Piguet
Model Royal Oak
Year of production 1986
Condition Very good (Worn with little to no signs of wear)
Scope of delivery No original box, no original papers
Location United States of America, California, Los Angeles
Price $36,450 [Negotiable]
Availability Item is in stock
STRAIGHT FACTS
It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no reason that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world.
What’s better than a Royal Oak? How about a solid-gold Royal Oak?
The present example is a reference 14486, which was first introduced in 1986 as part of the 'mid-size' Royal Oak family. The reference was only made available in steel and gold, or solid gold. Naturally, we feel solid gold is the way to go here. Its hallmarks are extremely crisp and strong - matching the overall condition of the case which shows signs of a gentle polish in the past. The bracelet, which is silky smooth and melds to your wrist, shows no signs of stretch and the dial is in superb condition throughout.
These watches strike the perfect balance between the size and value proposition that a Royal Oak can offer. It is also one of the rarest mid-size Royal Oak family members. The weight of the solid gold makes this wear far larger than it is while still fitting the wrist in a more comfortable way than a full size 39mm Royal Oak which can fit a little odd on some wrists due to how flat it is.
Like we said, What’s better than a Royal Oak? A solid-gold Royal Oak. Full stop.
About The Brand
A Member of the vaunted ‘Holy-Trinity’ of watchmakers, the story of Audemars Piguet dates back to 1875 whenJules Audemars and Edward Piguet founded the company. While they were known for their highly elegant and complex watches for decades - it was the advent of the Royal Oak in 1972 that moved the brand into the heights where it currently resides. Not one to rest on its laurels, AP also has a beautiful lineup of RE-mastered vintage pieces, and used its more avant-garde Code 11:59 case to highlight its dazzling array of dial techniques, and complex movements.
The Nitty Gritty
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Ref: 14486 - mid size
Year: 1986
Case Diameter: 35mm
Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Case Condition: Gently polished with no significant nicks or scratches.
Dial Condition: Flawless, like new condition.
Movement: Audemars Piguet Calibre 2130
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Integrated Audemars Piguet Bracelet with no-stretch.
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.
