Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Ref. 14790BA (Yellow Gold)
Luxury Sports Watch / Integrated Bracelet Watch · Audemars Piguet (Independent Holy Trinity manufacturer), elite haute horlogerie tier
Period: Modern Luxury (1970s design lineage, mid-1990s execution)
Type
Luxury Sports Watch / Integrated Bracelet Watch
Brand
Audemars Piguet (Independent Holy Trinity manufacturer), elite haute horlogerie tier
Movement
Automatic mechanical movement, AP Caliber 2225, operating at 28,800 vph, approximately 40-hour power reserve, 36 jewels
Dimensions
Case diameter 36mm, thickness approximately 8.5mm, lug-to-lug around 46mm, integrated lug width
Description
An exquisite representation of Gerald Genta's legendary design language, this yellow gold Royal Oak pairs the boldness of precious metal with the utilitarian aesthetics of an integrated sports watch. The warm glow of the 18k yellow gold case and bracelet is brilliantly contrasted by a stark black dial, offering exceptional wrist presence and timeless elegance.
Key Features
Iconic octagonal bezel with visible hexagonal screws, integrated tapered gold bracelet, ultra-thin profile, tapisserie-free matte black dial layout with gold accents
Dial Description
Matte black dial with applied yellow gold baton indices and hands, date window at the 3 o'clock position, featuring printed 'AUTOMATIC' text below center
Case Material
18-karat yellow gold with distinct vertical satin-brushed finishing on top surfaces and polished bevels
Crystal Type
Flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Bezel Details
Iconic octagonal yellow gold bezel secured by eight white-gold hexagonal screws, featuring a circular brushed finish with polished outer bevels
Crown & Pushers
Hexagonal or octagonal screw-down crown matching the case material, embossed with the AP monogram
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated 18-karat yellow gold tapered bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links, secured by a hidden AP folding clasp
Caseback Details
Solid 18-karat yellow gold caseback secured by multiple screws, featuring engraved hallmark stamps, serial numbers, and model nomenclature
Movement Type
Automatic mechanical movement, AP Caliber 2225, operating at 28,800 vph, approximately 40-hour power reserve, 36 jewels
Water Resistance
Rated to 50 meters (5 ATM), suitable for light splashes and brief immersion, though swimming or diving should be avoided to protect vintage-era gold gaskets
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Le Brassus, Switzerland, featuring a high-end outsourced base caliber (Jaeger-LeCoultre base) finished in-house
Age Estimate
Estimated circa mid-1990s to early 2000s production era based on the 36mm mid-size reference proportions
Cultural Significance
Pioneered the entire luxury sports watch category with an integrated bracelet, transforming casual sports timepieces into high-horology status symbols embraced by global elites
Condition Notes
The case and bracelet show moderate signs of surface wear consistent with careful use, including minor hairline scratches; edges remain relatively sharp with visible brushing lines, indicating limited prior polishing
Value Estimate
Secondary market value range generally spans between $25,000 to $40,000 USD depending on the inclusion of original box, papers, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Recommended professional mechanical service every 4 to 5 years, avoid harsh impacts due to soft gold properties, store in a temperature-controlled environment away from strong magnetic fields
Similar Watches
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3800J, Vacheron Constantin 222, Rolex Day-Date, Girard-Perregaux Laureato
Interesting Facts
The Royal Oak was originally conceived by Gerald Genta in a single night ahead of the 1972 Basel Fair, revolutionizing the watch industry by making a stainless steel sports watch more expensive than gold dress watches