The story behind this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Audemars Piguet revolutionised the world of Haute Horlogerie with the launch of the Royal Oak, a bold creation designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. Inspired by the helmet of a traditional diver, secured with sturdy screws, this octagonal silhouette redefined the luxury sports watch. This specific model, reference 14790BA.OO.0789BA.03, embodies a fascinating evolution of this icon. Introduced to offer more understated proportions than the original model, it met a demand for absolute comfort without sacrificing the magnetic presence of its geometric design. This intermediate size allowed the timepiece to hug the wrist with singular grace, projecting its architectural aura whilst retaining absolute elegance.
Case, movement and bracelet of this Royal Oak
Crafted from solid yellow gold with hypnotic highlights, this marvel features a 36 mm case that captures the light on every polished bevel. The absence of traditional lugs allows the integrated bracelet to blend with exceptional fluidity into the extension of the case. This bracelet, a true sculpture in metal, hugs the skin with remarkable suppleness and is secured by a concealed folding clasp. Topped by its iconic octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal screws, the tone-on-tone dial is brought to life by the famous Petite Tapisserie pattern. This geometric relief creates a captivating play of light and shadow, punctuated by applied hour markers and luminescent gold hands. Beneath this radiant face beats the calibre 2225, a self-winding mechanical movement offering a 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This exceptionally precise heart orchestrates the display of the hours, minutes, seconds and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
Why this Audemars Piguet watch
Owning a Royal Oak entirely clad in yellow gold is a rare privilege that arouses spectacular enthusiasm amongst discerning collectors. This particular configuration captivates with its masterful balance between opulence and geometric discretion. The main appeal of this piece lies in its absolute authenticity. The current market reveres watches that bear the mark of their history, and this version offers precisely that sought-after soul. Its ideal 36 mm dimensions make it incredibly versatile, suiting all wrist sizes with irresistible charm. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of watchmaking history whose desirability continues to grow.
Contents and condition
This collector’s piece is presented in its beautiful original octagonal case and comes with its official Register Extract certifying its manufacture in 1994, as well as the invoice for a full service carried out by the manufacturer in 2022. Aesthetically, it bears the charming marks of its history, bearing witness to regular and passionate wear over the decades. Its brushed and polished surfaces show visible signs of wear, and its bracelet displays the natural softening so characteristic of solid gold, confirming that the piece has remained authentic and unaltered by aggressive polishing. This organic patina will delight purists, although a complete refresh of the surfaces can be carried out by our craftsmen on request to restore it to its original workshop-fresh lustre.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector certifies the absolute authenticity of this timepiece, which is covered by a 24-month warranty for complete peace of mind. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
* Condition: Visible signs of wear. Appearance consistent with the item’s history and age. Polishing available on request.
