Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 18k WG (Ref. 14813BC) Black Aventurine Dial W/ Diamond Bezel + Box, Booklets

Audemars Piguet first unveiled the Royal Oak in 1972. Designed by Gerald Genta (known for also designing the famous Patek Philippe Nautilus), when the Royal Oak first became available it was the most expensive steel watch ever made.  

This extremely rare and beautiful 18k white gold Royal Oak Ref. 14813BC possesses a factory diamond bezel which is perfectly paired with a factory diamond set black aventurine dial. According to Audemars Piguet, this was originally sold in Hong Kong back in 1993 and is one of very few "Black Aventurine" dials to have ever been produced by AP. Audemars Piguet also confirmed that the reference 14813 was produced with 12 different dials, from mother of pearl to diamond-set dials. The most commonly seen dial variant within the reference range is the blue lapis lazuli that also possesses diamond markers. This makes the example we're offering, with its black aventurine dial, exceptionally rare and not to mention unbelievably stunning. There has not been another black aventurine dial publicly listed for sale and this example is in downright stunning condition. According to Audemars Piguet, the full reference of this watch is 14813BC.ZZ.0789BC.07 (and 14813BC.ZZ.0789BC.06 would be blue aventurine)

The name "aventurine" originated in the 1600s, and as the story goes a glassmaker accidentally blended tiny particles of copper into a batch of molten glass. As the glass cooled, it resulted in a sparkly glass that was named "avventura" or, in English, "by chance."  The stone Aventurine was actually named after the glass aventurine as the stone was discovered after the creation of the glass and actually resembled the look and characteristics of the glass. Aventurine resembles stars across a black blanket of the night sky.

Interestingly Audemars Piguet also is using "Black Aventurine" in its CODE 11.59 Perpetual Calendar produced in gold. 

The Royal Oak is the perfect balance between utilitarian function and timeless design. The case and bracelet are excellently finished, with angular, beveled and polished edges. The polished screws, bezel, and case edge fantastically-contrast with the brushed surface of the case and bracelet. This would make a stunning addition to any collection and would transition between the most formal of occasions to the most casual of settings!