In the best condition one is ever likely to see, with perfect chamfers and crisp edges, this Royal Oak is one of just a handful of examples for sale in the world.

Introduced as a more wearable alternative to the larger Jumbo, the 36mm Royal Oak ref. 14790 has a production history spanning several variants, but few are as rare at this tantalum & rose gold 14790TR. Produced from 1991 to 2006, these early second series "D serial" examples are extremely coveted.

It's estimated the total Tantalum & 18ct rose gold pieces produced were in the low hundreds, owing to the difficulty working with such a unique and demanding material. Unlike the regular tapisserie dials, these cool stealthier Royal Oaks came with a captivating flat dial - vertical dacron tantalum; creating an impression of continuity with the straight-grained satin–brushed finish on the flat sections. 

This pristine early example is further enhanced with the integral 'Gay Freres' signed bracelet in tantalum and rose gold. Powered by AP's automatic calibre 2225, waterproof to 100m. 

Presented with its Audemars box, and extract from the Audemars Piguet archives, dated 2nd June 1994.