Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST 'Salmon'

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST Salmon: The Reference That Defined Mid Size Perfection

If you ask us, the 14790ST is the finest expression of the Royal Oak ever produced. Introduced in the early 1990s as AP's 36mm mid size Royal Oak, it went on to outlive nearly every other reference of its era, refined over more than a decade into what many collectors still consider the perfect proportions for the design Gerald Genta sketched in 1971. At 36mm and just 7.5mm thick, it wears larger than its dimensions suggest thanks to the integrated bracelet and case, and it remains one of the most collected Royal Oaks in existence.

This example carries a salmon dial, one of the rarest and most coveted colorways ever fitted to the 14790. Salmon dials on this reference have long fascinated collectors and researchers alike. AP's own heritage department has confirmed the reference was delivered with salmon dials from the factory, though the full story behind each individual example is not always straightforward. In this piece, in fact, the dial was fitted at the dealership level, likely on special request, a practice that was not unusual at the time and one AP itself facilitated for select clients and retailers. It is a genuine AP salmon dial from the period, simply not the exact one this specific case left the factory with. We flag this in the interest of full transparency, though it takes nothing away from the dial's rarity, quality, or desirability. It remains, in every sense, an exceptional and highly special piece.

Design & Movement
Finished in stainless steel throughout (the ST in the reference), the case retains all of the Royal Oak's signature details: beveled and polished edges, the octagonal bezel with its eight hexagonal screws, and the integrated bracelet that made the design so radical in 1972. Inside beats AP's automatic caliber, reliable and beautifully finished, true to the standard the brand set for itself in this era.

Provenance & Condition
Dating to 1996, this piece presents in great condition and comes complete with its original inner and outer box, along with an Extract from the Archives confirming its production details.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790ST: in our opinion, simply the best reference AP ever made.

Interested, or have questions about this piece? Send us a DM, we're happy to share more photos, condition notes, or full provenance details.

Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 14790ST
Bracelet: Stainless steel, integrated
Dial: Salmon, petite tapisserie (period correct, dealer fitted)
Case: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm
Box: yes (inner and outer)
Paperwork: yes (Extract from the Archives)
Year: 1996