Following suit with its competing brands, Audemars Piguet too produced a mid-sized reference of their popular steel sports integrated watch. Believed to have been produced for solely a one year period, the ref. 14700 was the transitional model introduced prior to the well-loved and far-more-common 14790 which ran for a much longer period until production was halted in 2005. Given its incredibly short production period, it is to no surprise that research suggests that fewer than 500 examples of this reference were produced in stainless steel, in line with this current example being offered which is engraved on the case back (#3**). At just 36mm in diameter, this mid-size Royal Oak is the perfect combination of elegance and class, and shares many aesthetic-properties with its originator in the Genta-designed ref. 5402.

Condition Report:

Albeit an outstanding example throughout all of its assets, this vintage Royal Oak really stands out thanks to its beautifully-aged dial which displays tropical tones throughout its “Petite Tapisserie” dial. The raised sections of the dial have aged to a gorgeous light brown, giving off an aesthetic which is synonymous with vintage Royal Oak’s only given their unique dial complexion. When looking at the case and bracelet, the stainless steel remains sharp and angular throughout displaying a multitude of brushed and polished finishes. Its original bracelet, hallmarked by the legendary bracelet make Gay Frères, shows almost no signs of stretch and maintains AP’s gorgeous combination of brushed and polished surfaces throughout the links. Having evidently been back to the manufacturer for a service in its past thirty years, the hands were in fact changed for “new old stock” hands which is evident from looking at them, yet gives the watch extremely strong legibility. Paired with its original Audemars Piguet box and an Extract from the Archive confirming the watch’s sale in 1991, the watch in question is the perfect addition to almost anyone’s collection.

• Year: 1991

• Reference Number: 14700ST

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Size: 36mm

• Movement: Automatic Caliber 2125

• Waterproof: 50m

• Box Information: Original Box

• Extras: Extract from the Archives

• Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet