AUDEMARS PIGUET, ROYAL OAK REF. 14700 ‘MINI JUMBO’, AN INTERESTING TWO-TONE AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH

This example, the reference 14700, was produced for a short period of time, in the late 1980s, as an alternative to the Jumbo Royal Oak 5402, with a reduced diameter of 36 mm. (over 39 mm.) and seen as a transitional reference between Ref.4100 and Ref. 14790.

In many ways, the reference 14700 is a scaled-down version of the original reference 5402, retaining many of the same features, such as the ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial, and overall proportions. Interestingly, the dial on the ref. 14700 measures 1mm less than the dial on the original Royal Oak, the ref. 5402. As a result, the watch wears larger than its proportions would otherwise suggest, giving it an important visual presence on the wrist.

The Audemars Piguet Ref 14700 presents a very good opportunity to acquire an early, rare and supremely wearable Royal Oak.