Its been 50 years since the creation of the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and this now-classic piece is more popular than ever. First unveiled by Audemars Piguet in the 1970s and designed by Grald Genta who, incidentally, designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, among others the Royal Oak has become a cultural icon due to its distinctive features and its role as a pioneer for high-end luxury sports watches.

Shortly after the introduction of the original Royal Oak 5402, Audemars Piguet experimented with a few mid-sized versions of the design. These were meant to bring the Royal Oak to a wider audience, who at the time favoured more modestly sized wristwatches. In 1992, they released the reference 14790, with a reduced diameter of 36mm, down from the 39mm size. In many ways, the reference 14790 is a scaled-down version of the original reference 5402, retaining many of the same features, from the Petite Tapisserie dial to the overall proportions.

While the Royal Oak was originally conceived as a luxury steel watch, its design and proportions render wonderfully when executed in yellow gold. This 14790BA adopts the same key traits as the most recognisable version of the 5402BA, with its yellow-gold case, anthracite-grey dial, and gold-coloured date disc, which complements the metal of the case.

With the yellow-gold variant of the 5402 having been produced in far fewer numbers than its steel equivalent, there is reason to believe that this was carried across to the 14790, with few yellow-gold examples having come to market to date. The watch is also powered by the ultra-thin AP calibre 2225, which is derived from the Jaeger-LeCoultres JLC 889 movement.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790BA will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This yellow gold, Royal Oak Ref. 14790BA is in excellent condition overall, with virtually no marks or imperfections on the case. Though previously polished, the shape of the case has been wonderfully preserved, maintaining the correct angles and bevelling. The engravings and hallmarks are visible on both the case and inside of the clasp, with minimal stretch to the original bracelet. The dial is free of imperfections, and the luminous markers and hands show a matching creamy tone. The winding crown is also unsigned.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.