Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1979 Reference No: 4187BC/ 344 Movement No: B43471 Case No: B43471/134, caseback further stamped 134 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18k white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121/1, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement bracelet and deployant clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by original Audemars Piguet undated Certificate of Origin signed Goldschmiedekunst H. Simon, certificate of Gemstone Authenticity, additional 18k white gold bezel, service booklet and Royal Oak illustration booklet.
Catalogue Essay
The present white gold Royal Oak is a phenomenally rare reference 4187BC which graces the auction market once in a blue moon and a model very few have had the pleasure of actually seeing.
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak does not need an introduction. With its launch in 1972 Audemars Piguet created one of the most iconic and classic wristwatches of the late 20th century and a benchmark for what the luxury sports watch should be.
Even though the model was intended for leisure wear, Audemars Piguet nevertheless created a few examples in precious metals and even adding a touch of flamboyance with the addition of diamonds. Collectors are familiar with the reference 5402BC in white gold with diamond markers on the dial, but with the present reference 4187BC Audemars Piguet upped the ante by adding a diamond-set bezel to its iconic model adding a touch of louche decadence to the Royal Oak now wonderfully idiosyncratic with its sporty look yet glamorous livery.
Crafted out of solid 18-karat gold, its luxurious heft is dramatic, especially when compared to the regular production stainless steel versions. The present example is also accompanied by a non gem-set white gold bezel if the owner wishes to wear the watch with a more subdued look.
The present ultra-rare example is in absolutely spectacular condition and accompanied by its original paperwork making it one of the most desirable variants of the Royal Oak to appear on the market.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
Ref. 4187BC/ 344 An extremely rare and well preserved white gold automatic wristwatch with diamond-set indexes, diamond set bezel, additional bezel and bracelet with original certificate
Circa 1979 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement bracelet and deployant clasp signed
