Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1982 Reference No: 4100BA Movement No: 244'215 Case No: B73527.1984 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 2123, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Origin dated 9 Apr. 1983, Certificate of guarantee for a service made in 1998, product literature, green leather wallet and original box. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1977 and in production until 1985 (but still available until 2002) reference 4100 is also called the Royal Oak III as it was the third model launched after the original reference 5402 and reference 8638 With a more restrained 35mm diameter, this reference was the first Royal Oak to be equipped with centre seconds, it was available in steel, yellow gold, white gold and two-tone versions. The majority of the models were equipped with calibre 2123, but some of the later creations were powered by calibre 2125 and others by calibre 2124. From 1982 onwards, at least 96 watches had their mechanical calibre replaced by the quartz calibre 2506, which was originally fitted in at least 36 watches.
Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present 4100BA has presence on the wrist despite its 35mm case. Packaged in an entirely new category of "luxury sport", the timepiece has inspired a new wave of collectors of “smaller” cases such as Patek Philippe with its 3800. The delightful grey tapisserie dial contrasts elegantly against the warmer yellow tone of the case, bracelet and indexes rendering the timepiece extremely attractive and capable of being dressed up or down according to the situation.
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.
