PREVIEW: WATCHES 11 JUNE

Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak remains one of the most iconic brands ever produced by Audemars Piguet, and even takes pride of place on the firm's website as a prime example of how their designs blend tradition with the avant-garde.

Swiss industrial designer Gerald Genta helped design what became the company's first luxury steel sports watch, with a tonneau-shaped case and octagonal bezel, reminiscent of a ship's porthole. It was completely different from the traditional round timepieces of the time.

 

Noonans will offer a reference 14790ST – a design launched in 1992 – in this sale. Most Royal Oak models are fitted with the distinctive ‘petite tapisserie’ dial but a limited few, like this one, came with the so-called military dial.

"With its black background, large luminous Arabic numerals and large arrow-tipped centre seconds hand this model is reminiscent of the military watches used by the armed forces," says Noonans' Watches specialist Joanne Lewis. "As the desire for military watches has grown ever more popular this Royal Oak with rare dial configuration has become highly sought after by collectors."

Numbered 597, it was produced circa 1994 and is signed to the case, dial, movement and clasp. The estimate is £8,000-12,000.