The Royal Oak 14700STisan elusive mid-size version of the Royal Oak design, believed to have been produced for a brief one year period, in 1991.A predecessor to the popular ref. 14790, itrepresentedAudemars Piguetexperimenting withdifferent elements of the mid-size design. With its classic "Audemars Piguet" signature on the dial and Gay Frres signed bracelet, it captures much of the vintage charm of the earliest Royal Oak pieces. Rare and wearable, it is believed thataround500 examples were produced in stainless steel.

A"transitional" Royal Oak

Shortly after the introduction of the,Audemars Piguetexperimented with a few mid-size versionsof the design. These were meant to bring theRoyal Oakto a wider audience, who at the time favoured more modestly sized wristwatches. The, produced from around 1992 to 2005, is considered the quintessential mid-size Royal Oak, producedin a wide range of configurations.

However, it was actually preceded by the reference 14700, which is believed to have been produced for a brief one year period, in 1991.Oftendescribed as a transitional" reference, the 14700 represented Audemars Piguetexperimenting withdifferent elements of the mid-size design, notably case proportions and diallayout.With few examples having come to market, it is estimated that around 500 of these were produced in stainless steel,with production figures remaining in the three-digit range across all metals.

Measuring 36mm in diameter, the ref. 14700still retains the vintage-style, smaller Audemars Piguet signature on the dial Gay Frres signed clasp, features of the earliest Royal Oak watches, notably .Though the case is almost identical in diameter to its successor, the 14700 features a thinner bezel and larger dial, such that the watch wears slightly larger on the wrist than the later14790.

A classicdial

As with allAudemars Piguet Royal Oakexamples, the reference14700features an integrated case and bracelet, with angular, bevelled and polished edges, famously penned by Gerald Genta. In many ways, the reference14700is a scaled-down version of the original reference5402, retaining many of the same features, such as thePetite Tapisseriedial, and overall proportions. Interestingly, the dial on theref. 14700measures 1mm less than the dial on the originalRoyal Oak, theref. 5402. As a result, the watch wears larger than its proportions would otherwise suggest, giving it an important visual presence on the wrist.

Thisref. 14700retains the more understatedPetite Tapisseriepattern on the dial, forming the square and lozenge motif, as seen in earlier executions of theRoyal Oak.It also features the more traditional"Audemars Piguet"font, where all the letters are the same size,rather than , which is distinctively more modern in appearance.This is reminiscent of the earliestRoyal Oakwatches and imbues the piece with a certain vintage charm.

Evidence suggests that the dial was manufactured byStern Crations, the storiedmanufacturer which also produced dials for theand the, among others. It has an anthracite grey colour, with hints of blue in certain light.

The Case

At 36mm in diameter, and only 7.5mm thick, this Royal Oak case is a beautiful twist of perspectives and size. It comes with its original bracelet and deployant clasp, featuring the hallmark of famed bracelet makerGay Frres,who produced the first Oyster bracelets for Rolex, as well as integratedbracelets for the original Nautilus and Royal Oak.The caseback indicates the watchs case number (N.4XX).This Royal Oak 14700 comes fitted with an "AP"-signed service crown from Audemars Piguet, though it isalso accompanied by a period correctunsigned crown.

Thanks to the slim profile of the case and bracelet, the ref.14700hugs the wrist, in a way that is both supremely comfortable, yet distinctively elegant and characterful.Collectors have noticed that on account of the unique case shape of the Royal Oak, the 14700wears much larger on the wrist than its dimensions would suggest.

The Movement

The Royal Oak 14700STis powered by the ultra-thin AP caliber 2125, derived from Jaeger-LeCoultres JLC 889 calibre movement. Formed of 280 components, the 40-jewel movement is rhodium-plated, with fausses ctes embellishment.

The Set

This Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak 14700STis accompanied by its signedCertificate of Origin and Warranty, which confirmsthat the watch was originally sold in Italy. It is also accompanied by its Royal Oak instruction manual and original unsigned crown.

Closer look