Audemars Piguet

CrookedOak
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An Underrated Gem

Let me take you on a little journey to uncover a hidden treasure in the world of Royal Oaks — the Audemars Piguet reference 14790ST. While the Royal Oak “Jumbo” 5402 gets most of the spotlight, the 14790ST is the quietly confident mid-size sibling that has been winning hearts quietly but surely.

First off, the 14790ST has an elegantly modest 36mm case. It’s not oversized, but looks bigger than its size due to those iconic integrated lugs and bracelet that hug the wrist perfectly—giving that bold Royal Oak presence without screaming “Look at me!”. Thickness-wise, it’s just about 7.5mm, keeping that slim profile true to the original design ethos by Gérald Genta.

What makes this reference so intriguing is its long production run—from the early 1990s well into the late 2000s—making it one of Audemars Piguet’s most versatile and enduring mid-size Royal Oaks. Over its production lifetime, it saw a variety of dial colors (ever heard of a bright yellow dial on a Royal Oak?), case metals, and even some neat technical tweaks. The movement inside is an AP caliber 2125, followed by upgrades through its life, some based on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s movements, which is pretty darn cool from a mechanical pedigree perspective.

Collectors dig into the different series of the 14790, from the rare and desirable MK1 with vintage-style dials and unsigned crowns, to the more modern dial designs in later series. A neat tidbit: some versions even came with a small date window border, adding to the dial’s unique personality.

Bracelet and case finishing won’t disappoint either - the famous beveled and polished edges, a hallmark of Royal Oak craftsmanship, are present and just as refined as their larger siblings. And in some lucky cases, you might even find one with a factory-upgraded bracelet swapped in later in its life, making it a hybrid of eras.

The 14790ST is celebrated for its versatility and the breadth of dial options and materials it was produced in, including steel, two-tone steel and gold, tantalum variants, and even rare platinum editions with diamond hour markers. While the 14790 may have been overshadowed by the larger Jumbos, fans of the brand today are waking up to its charm and "approachable" price point. It offers that vintage vibe with modern wearability and a story that’s rich in horological history.

So, if you’re into something that’s just a little bit different from the usual suspects in the Royal Oak family but still packed with heritage and style, the 14790ST might just be that cool secret you want on your wrist.