Presented in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak, reference 14789 went on sale the following year as one of the most exclusive and artistically refined interpretations of the iconic model. It showcased an exceptional openworked version of the ultra-thin self-winding calibre 2120, known as calibre 2120SQ, distinguished by the absence of a date display. The hands of this particular piece are what truly make it unique: delicately set with tiny diamonds, they enhance the watch’s sophistication and individuality.

Offering a glimpse into the essence of haute horlogerie, the dial is a work of art in itself. The diamond-set hands shimmer elegantly against the openworked background, while the painstakingly hand-engraved and beveled skeletonized bridges reveal the graceful motion of the movement beneath. The result is a perfect balance between effortless refinement and technical mastery.

Only 40 examples of reference 14789 were produced between 1993 and 2003. The initial version comprised three platinum pieces, followed by thirty-four in yellow gold and three two-tone models combining platinum and pink gold. A closely related model, reference 14814, was introduced in 1993. It featured the same design and movement but omitted the diamond-set hands.

Caliber 2120SQ
The Caliber 2120SQ was a potent declaration of tradition and artistry at a time when quartz technology threatened the stability of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. About 150 hours of manual sawing, engraving, and bevelling were needed to meticulously skeletonize brass movement. The outcome was a movement that showcased its mechanical poetry in full view in addition to performing with remarkable precision.

First seen in the round wristwatch Model 5442 in 1973, the open worked Caliber 2120 later made its appearance in the octagonal Model 4122 in 1980. As demonstrated by the current reference 14789, this iconic movement found its ideal home in the Royal Oak 'Jumbo' starting in 1992.