Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 14790ST
Year: ca. 1993
Serial number: D178XX-No.24X
Material: stainless steel
Bracelet: stainless steel
Diameter: 36 Millimeter
Condition: very good
Box&Papers: with service papers
Description: Great and extremely rare 14790ST Royal Oak of the first series.
Oh how I love the 14790ST. 36 millimeters that feel like 38 on the wrist and looks good on any wrist.
Bei diesem Modell handelt es sich um eine besonders seltene und frühe Variante der 14790 Royal Oak. Die Herstellung der Referenz 14790 Begann ab 1993 und wurde bis in die mittleren 2000er Jahre fortgesetzt. Während dieser Jahre unterlief die Uhr mehreren Veränderungen, welche anhand Ihres Blattcharakters wie folgt kategorisiert werden können:
MK1 / First Series: Produced for an extremely short period of one year, an MK1 can be recognized by the old “flat” logo, which does not show the higher letters A and P of Audemars Piguet. Furthermore, the indices are still classically long, hence the long index.
MK2 / Second Series: Produced until around the year 2000, this dial already shows the current classic Audemars Piguet logo with superscript A and P. Indexes are still long indexes.
MK3 / Third Series: Produced from around 2000 onwards, this dial shows the short indices with a modern logo as on the MK2.
Based on this list, I can clearly see the rarity of the MK1. Calculated over a total construction time of 13 years, MK1 saw the light of day only in the first year of construction.
Nun aber gerne die Details der Uhr.
The case is in great condition. Polished for the last time in the course of an AP Japan service in 2020, the case shows great proportions, wonderfully sharp edges and a fine matt finish on the top of the case.
The bezel, just as the case, is in great condition with sharp edges and a wonderful matt finish. Furthermore, the distances between the screws and the edge of the case are large and even.
One of the distinguishing features of this watch is the before mentioned MK1 dial. I have already named the features above, so let’s talk about the condition now. As the pictures perfectly show, the dial is flawless. Wonderful clear white, combined with a strong print and great patina of the lume leave nothing to be desired.
Perhaps it should be briefly mentioned that the MK1 dial was only available in white and black.
The set of hands is another highlight of this watch. If you compare the thickness of the hands with later models, you can see that these are so-called “slim hands”. Unlike the later models, these are exactly the same thickness as the dial indices and give the watch a great, classic look.
As already mentioned, the watch received an Audemars Piguet Japan service in 2020. The service papers are available and part of the scope of delivery.
A final highlight of this 14790ST is the bracelet. The integrated Royal Oak bracelet is original to the watch with an extremely rare clasp. While the first models of the 14790 were still delivered with the old box clasp, this is the earliest form of the more modern AP clasp with an AP pressure point for opening. The clasp is so early that it has been marked with Mod. Dep., which stands for registered designs.
Conclusion: A wonderful and extremely rare 14790ST that is completely convincing in terms of its features and looks.
