Vintage Royal Oak Qusetions

donashby · Mar 19, 2020

Hello All,

I am looking at a vintage Royal Oak 14790 to buy and it says that it has replaced hands at service. I know that this is a big turn off in the vintage Rolex world, but is it as big a deal with AP? Also I know that you should never take a vintage Rolex to Rolex to be repaired, but is that the case with AP too? I have heard that Royal Oaks are especially difficult to repair and should only be taken to AP for service, is this true?
Thanks in advance!

Best-DON

cchen · Mar 19, 2020

As a 14790 owner - I'd be fine with service hands if the patina (if any) matches. Otherwise, looks off.
For the RO I'd send it to AP for service, but I know a few independents who have experience working on them. If parts need replacement though, don't think independents have ready access.

donashby · Mar 19, 2020

cchen
As a 14790 owner - I'd be fine with service hands if the patina (if any) matches. Otherwise, looks off.
For the RO I'd send it to AP for service, but I know a few independents who have experience working on them. If parts need replacement though, don't think independents have ready access.

Thanks! I kind of feel the same way about replacement hands as long as they dont look too different. Thanks again!

Evitzee · Mar 19, 2020

If you need any sort of case refinishing or repair I would only use official AP service, they do a wonderful job in this area. I've seen a lot of butchered RO cases done by people who had no idea what they were doing.

Kazyole · Mar 19, 2020

Also own a 14790. It wouldn't particularly bother me as long as the rest of the watch is what I want. Anything that's new enough that the original hands are luminova I'm not particularly worried with them having been replaced.

I feel like the 14790 occupies this weird space in the market where it's too new for most vintage collectors and too old for most modern collectors, but it seems like that's started to change lately and people are waking up to what great pieces they are. Basically a 15450 in terms of case dimensions, but substantially thinner. If the watch looks right otherwise and the price is fair, I'd say go for it.

donashby · Mar 20, 2020

Evitzee
If you need any sort of case refinishing or repair I would only use official AP service, they do a wonderful job in this area. I've seen a lot of butchered RO cases done by people who had no idea what they were doing.

Thanks for the advice!

donashby · Mar 20, 2020

Kazyole
Also own a 14790. It wouldn't particularly bother me as long as the rest of the watch is what I want. Anything that's new enough that the original hands are luminova I'm not particularly worried with them having been replaced.

I feel like the 14790 occupies this weird space in the market where it's too new for most vintage collectors and too old for most modern collectors, but it seems like that's started to change lately and people are waking up to what great pieces they are. Basically a 15450 in terms of case dimensions, but substantially thinner. If the watch looks right otherwise and the price is fair, I'd say go for it.

I agree that it seems that it is becoming more popular and the prices are going up to reflect the interest too. Thanks for the advice!

NT931 · Mar 20, 2020

donashby
I have heard that Royal Oaks are especially difficult to repair and should only be taken to AP for service, is this true?
Thanks in advance!
Best-DON

Kazyole
I feel like the 14790 occupies this weird space in the market where it's too new for most vintage collectors and too old for most modern collectors, but it seems like that's started to change lately and people are waking up to what great pieces they are. Basically a 15450 in terms of case dimensions, but substantially thinner. If the watch looks right otherwise and the price is fair, I'd say go for it.

As a fellow owner of a 14790, I'd had it serviced by an independent - no issues, doable, if he has parts.

The 14790 is slightly smaller than the 15450 though (36 vs 37mm), but as mentioned, it is definitely thinner, which is nice.

There are several iterations of the 14790 - with the longer indices, and with the shorter indices. Prices seem slightly higher for the former.

donashby · Mar 20, 2020

NT931
As a fellow owner of a 14790, I'd had it serviced by an independent - no issues, doable, if he has parts.

The 14790 is slightly smaller than the 15450 though (36 vs 37mm), but as mentioned, it is definitely thinner, which is nice.

There are several iterations of the 14790 - with the longer indices, and with the shorter indices. Prices seem slightly higher for the former.

Thanks for the advice, I prefer the longer ones too. Do you know what the differences are between the 41000 and the transition 14700 and the 14790? I think the 14790 is a little bit thicker and the bracelet as well, and the typeface on the dial is different but apart from that?

Kazyole · Mar 20, 2020

NT931
The 14790 is slightly smaller than the 15450 though (36 vs 37mm), but as mentioned, it is definitely thinner, which is nice.

I actually had a chance to hold them side by side a few weeks ago. My 14790 vs a friend's 15450. I would say that the difference in size is pretty negligible when looking at the case straight on.

donashby
Thanks for the advice, I prefer the longer ones too. Do you know what the differences are between the 41000 and the transition 14700 and the 14790? I think the 14790 is a little bit thicker and the bracelet as well, and the typeface on the dial is different but apart from that?

Thickness wise they're about the same, and very thin. The 14790 is 7.5mm thick. At least the 4100 vs the 14790. I haven't held a 14700. The 4100 is smaller than the 14790 though. I think by measurement it's only a millimeter, but on wrist I'd say it's significant. If you have a 6" wrist or under, the 4100 may be a good choice. Otherwise I'd go 14790. I don't remember a difference in the thickness of the bracelet. Looking at pictures of 4100s online it looks about the same as my 14790.

14700 is the same size as the 14790 case (36mm) but the proportions are different. Larger dial/smaller bezel means it wears a bit bigger. At least from what I've heard.

Very early 14790s will still have the earlier typeface/AP logo, but they switched very early on. Those examples sell at a somewhat large premium. Through mid E-serial the 14790 has the longer indices and the smaller tapisserie pattern, which is more attractive imo and commands a higher price. The 14790 also has a better clasp than the 4100. The 4100 has a simple tri fold clasp, whereas the 14790 feels a little more refined. Also around the switch from long indices they changed the clasp again to be one that's made out of the AP logo, which I've heard anecdotally is less comfortable than the earlier 14790 clasps.

donashby · Mar 21, 2020

Thanks for all the info and advice. Where is the reference number located on the watches?

Kazyole · Mar 21, 2020

Nowhere, weirdly enough. The inside caseback just has "Audemars Piguet Swiss" and the serial

donashby · Mar 23, 2020

That is weird, how do you know what reference the watch is then? By the serial numbers?

Kazyole · Mar 23, 2020

Inside the case of a 14790

I mean extracts/original paperwork I guess.? Or looking at the serial and dimensions to figure it out. It is a bit odd, especially with how many royal oak references AP has made

donashby · Mar 24, 2020

Kazyole
Inside the case of a 14790

I mean extracts/original paperwork I guess.? Or looking at the serial and dimensions to figure it out. It is a bit odd, especially with how many royal oak references AP has made

Weird way for sure! Thanks for the info and picture!