Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14700ST White Dial 'Mini Jumbo'
The Royal Oak ref. 14700ST is a transitional model produced for only one year. It has a thinner bezel than its successor, the 14790, leading to some calling it the 'Mini Jumbo'. This watch features the 'Gay Freres' mark on the bracelet, as well as the vintage-style logo on the dial.
The story of Audemars Piguet is, in many ways, the story of the Royal Oak. Upon its release in 1972, it shocked observers across the industry with its high price tag and stainless steel construction. It was, however, unlike any other watch ever created. The integrated bracelet was given the same attention as the movement - something that was completely unheard of. The "petite tapisserie" dial was also a nod to traditional guilloche techniques, but rendered in a thoroughly modern form.
This new watch costed 10 times more than what a Rolex were charging for a Submariner at the time. No longer were steel watches to be seen as practical tools, but as objects of luxury. This radical new approach changed the landscape of the industry, and changed the public perception of Swiss wristwatches. Coming at a time of great disturbance within the Swiss watch industry, this was a much-needed restructuring which arguably saved the industry.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Audemars Piguet was founded in Le Brassus in 1875, a rural part of Switzerland. The company became famous for making high complications, with the myriad complicated pocket watches in its museum being testament to its expertise. The company went from strength to strength, producing the world's first skeletonised wristwatch in 1934 and the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with a leap year indicator (allowing for user adjustment) in 1955.
By the late 1960s and early 70s, however, the company was beginning to lag behind in terms of innovations. To sidestep the atrophy that would go on to destroy so many other watchmakers, Audemars Piguet decided to do something bold and released the Royal Oak.
Costing 10 times more than a Rolex Submariner did, the watch was unashamedly luxurious. This watch spawned a new genre of watchmaking, and arguably saved not only Audemars Piguet, but the entire watch industry from a slow death.
LessThe Royal Oak ref. 14700ST is a transitional model produced for only one year. It has a thinner bezel than its successor, the 14790, leading to some calling it the 'Mini Jumbo'. This watch features the 'Gay Freres' mark on the bracelet, as well as the vintage-style logo on the dial.
The story of Audemars Piguet is, in many ways, the story of the Royal Oak. Upon its release in 1972, it shocked observers across the industry with its high price tag and stainless steel construction. It was, however, unlike any other watch ever created. The integrated bracelet was given the same attention as the movement - something that was completely unheard of. The "petite tapisserie" dial was also a nod to traditional guilloche techniques, but rendered in a thoroughly modern form.
This new watch costed 10 times more than what a Rolex were charging for a Submariner at the time. No longer were steel watches to be seen as practical tools, but as objects of luxury. This radical new approach changed the landscape of the industry, and changed the public perception of Swiss wristwatches. Coming at a time of great disturbance within the Swiss watch industry, this was a much-needed restructuring which arguably saved the industry.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Audemars Piguet was founded in Le Brassus in 1875, a rural part of Switzerland. The company became famous for making high complications, with the myriad complicated pocket watches in its museum being testament to its expertise. The company went from strength to strength, producing the world's first skeletonised wristwatch in 1934 and the world's first perpetual calendar wristwatch with a leap year indicator (allowing for user adjustment) in 1955.
By the late 1960s and early 70s, however, the company was beginning to lag behind in terms of innovations. To sidestep the atrophy that would go on to destroy so many other watchmakers, Audemars Piguet decided to do something bold and released the Royal Oak.
Costing 10 times more than a Rolex Submariner did, the watch was unashamedly luxurious. This watch spawned a new genre of watchmaking, and arguably saved not only Audemars Piguet, but the entire watch industry from a slow death.