Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

A product of the 1970s, a decade brimming with imaginative creativity across all facets of design, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak pioneered a new category — the ‘luxury sport’ watch.

Legend has it that the entire Royal Oak design was sketched by Gérald Genta in a single day! Initially launched in stainless steel in 1972, the RO went on to inspire countless other manufactures and remains relevant to this very day. What's particularly delightful about the design of the Royal Oak is that it works brilliantly in a number of sizes and casing materials, from steel to carbon fiber or solid gold.

This example, a Reference 14790, features a 33mm two-tone construction with its signature octagonal-shaped case, 18K yellow gold bezel, correct unsigned steel crown, sapphire crystal and comes fitted to a two-tone integrated, multi-link bracelet equipped with a signed locking deployant clasp. 

Its slate gray grand tapisserie dial remains in exceptional condition showing a light, even patina throughout. Featuring applied indices, a matching stick handset and an applied logo at 12 o’clock, the dial is exquisitely simple and beautifully balanced. Powered by a quartz movement, this is a vibe we’ll quite happily keep from the 1980s. 

Sign us up for a two-tone sport watch when it’s executed properly — this Royal Oak happens to do so with aplomb, and has the horological — and historical — caché to go along with it!

Audemars Piguet, the vaunted manufacture from Les Brassus, wasn't doing so well at the end of the 1960s. Their horological prowess aside, times were changing, customer tastes were evolving, and AP was stuck firmly in a very traditional past. Fortunately for us, their executives recognized this, and bet it all on the launch of an avant garde timepiece the likes of which the world had never seen.

Utilizing the talents of a designer named Gerald Genta, who would make his name for designing this very watch, AP planned from the beginning to make this new watch - dubbed the Royal Oak - a contradiction to tradition, and it became the world's first luxury sports watch. Made in steel. The gamble paid off, and the watch world clamored to get their hands on the cutting edge design, which featured a sharply angled watch with integrated bracelet, micro tapisserie dial, and ultra thin movement.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.