Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14700SA Mini Jumbo Grey Dial in Steel and Yellow Gold, early 1990

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

To create this revolutionary model, Audemars Piguet’s Managing Director, Georges Golay, commissioned the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta. According to watchmaking lore, Genta completed the initial design in a single night. He drew inspiration from a traditional diver’s helmet, a theme reflected in the instantly recognisable octagonal bezel secured by eight exposed white-gold screws. The name “Royal Oak” was borrowed from the famous British Royal Navy warships, themselves named after the oak tree in which King Charles II hid while escaping capture during the English Civil War. The original Royal Oak, ref. 5402ST, debuted in 1972 with a 39 mm case. At a time when most dress watches measured between 34 and 36 mm, its dimensions were considered enormous, earning it the now-legendary nickname “Jumbo”. Fun fact: The nickname “Jumbo” originates from Jumbo, the famous African bush elephant who became a sensation in the late 19th century. Measuring over 13 feet (4 metres) tall and weighing around six tons, his extraordinary size made “jumbo” synonymous with anything exceptionally large — a term that later found its way into expressions such as “jumbo jet”. Ironically, the original Royal Oak measured just 39 mm, yet in 1972 it was considered exceptionally large for a luxury watch. Offered here is the Royal Oak ref. 14700SA, a fascinating transitional 36 mm model produced between 1990 and 1992. Often nicknamed the “Mini Jumbo”, it forms an important bridge between the earlier ref. 4100 and the long-running ref. 14790. What makes the ref. 14700 particularly interesting is a detail often overlooked by non-collectors. Unlike other 35 and 36 mm Royal Oak models, it features a noticeably thinner bezel and a proportionally larger dial. This clever design gives the watch considerably more wrist presence than its dimensions suggest, making it wear remarkably close to the original 39 mm Jumbo. In fact, its dial measures only around 1 mm less in diameter than that of the legendary ref. 5402, which explains why collectors affectionately refer to it as the “Mini Jumbo”. The 36 mm stainless steel and yellow-gold case remains in excellent condition, with its original factory finishing still beautifully preserved. The brushed surfaces contrast wonderfully with the polished bezel, white-gold screws and crisp chamfered edges, highlighting Gérald Genta’s timeless design. Measuring just 7.8 mm thick, this Royal Oak wears wonderfully slim and elegant on the wrist. The grey Petite Tapisserie dial features the classic small Audemars Piguet signature in white, applied baton hour markers and the characteristic Royal Oak handset, giving the watch the clean, balanced appearance that has become an icon of modern watchmaking. The integrated bracelet is equally well preserved and currently fits wrists up to approximately 17.5 cm. It features a folding clasp stamped “GF”, the hallmark of Gay Frères, the renowned bracelet manufacturer responsible for producing these beautifully crafted bracelets. Powering this Royal Oak is the ultra-thin Audemars Piguet calibre 2225, derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s celebrated calibre 889. It has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Overshadowed by the Jumbo only in name, the ref. 14700 has earned its own loyal following among Royal Oak enthusiasts. With its larger dial, slim profile and beautifully balanced proportions, it may just be one of the sweetest-wearing Royal Oaks ever made. An increasingly sought-after transitional model, ready to be enjoyed by its next caretaker. Get in touch! Specifications: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 14700SA “Mini Jumbo” 36mm 18k Gold / Steel case Grey colour Petite Tapisserie dial, white text Serial No 6xx dating to the early 1990’s Integrated 18k gold/ steel bracelet, stamped “GF” Ultra thin cal. 2225 automatic Fully serviced by our watch maker