Thoughts on the condition of this Royal Oak?

[theflywrist]

Hey guys!
So as a newbie into the AP world, I would love for you guys to critique this 14790 I am looking at. (regards to case, bevels, overall condition).
Now I am not naive enough to expect a 30 year old watch to be in pristine condition, however I am wondering if you guys think that this watch is in decent shape. I would love to hear your opinions/inputs.

It is a very early ref 14790 at 36MM.
Love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

[subtona]

Looks to be in good shape, a bit of polishing over the years.
Just on looks judging by pics, I would certainly consider.

Another question is how the movement has been treated In that time.

There is a must read thread at the top of the AP forum discussing exactly this.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by subtona

Looks to be in good shape, a bit of polishing over the years.
Just on looks judging by pics, I would certainly consider.

Another question is how the movement has been treated In that time.

There is a must read thread at the top of the AP forum discussing exactly this.

Thanks for your response!
It is normal to only have production number without a serial number on the case back, correct?
I have seen other examples this way, but majority do seem to have a serial number with a Letter.
Apparently this one is an very early variant though.

[MrJ320]

Bezel looks to have been polished before but not too bad, and the rest looks quite good in terms of condition.

[v8plus4]

Whomever polished it over-polished the lugs down to the screw holes. This would bother me more than an over polished bezel, which can be replaced.

[s14roller]

Looks great for its age

[GMT13]

Agree, looks great for the age. Have to check the movement though...
...and ask yourself if you will be harder on it than the current owner?
If yes, nothing to worry about
If no, and you seek perfection (no scratches, sharp edges), maybe pass.

[mobster600]

Not bad

[HarryLime]

Bumping an old thread here... was this watch confirmed to be a 14790? Were there in fact 14790's that did NOT have the serial engraving on the caseback (like the one OP posted, if it is in fact a 14790)?

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Bumping an old thread here... was this watch confirmed to be a 14790? Were there in fact 14790's that did NOT have the serial engraving on the caseback (like the one OP posted, if it is in fact a 14790)?

Hey there Harry.
Surprised to see this thread bumped. At the time in 2017 there was barely any information on the 14790s nor much interest.
I ran this very watch with AP, it was intact a 14700. Easier to tell today with more information gathered. The thinner bezel, larger AP logo at 12, as well as overall larger presence on the dial.

Hope that helps. Phenomenal reference btw!