
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790SA
- Maker / attribution
- Audemars Piguet (maker)
- Date
- 2003
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 36 mm
- Stock no.
- SQ3571295
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (SQ3571295)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790SA - w/Papers - Near Mint/*Unpolished* (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number SQ3571295), this is a wristwatch by Audemars Piguet, made in Switzerland, dated 2003. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY
This two tone Royal Oak is steel and 18k yellow gold and features a gorgeous grey dial. The small hobnail dial is from an artisanal era of AP production, and with papers dated to 2003 we can say this is a neo-vintage example that will no doubt become tomorrow's vintage. The watch also features a monocoque case with front loading movement - an attribute that collectors are beginning to hunt more for in older examples. One might argue that these two tone examples are undervalued, considering where their steel counterparts trade. When it comes to wearability, the 36mm sized case is a welcome thing for some with smaller to medium sized wrists. The piece realistically wears larger (37-38mm) due to the integrated bracelet, and feels more elegant than the modern counterparts. In terms of condition you'd be hard pressed to find a better example. This piece is near "new old stock" with the exception of one very light sign of use (refer to photos and condition notes). We are thrilled to offer this true collector grade example to its next custodian. Explore more of our vintage Audemars Piguet watches .
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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