Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1981 Reference No: 4100BC Movement No: 228'780 Case No: B69950.10 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2123, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185 mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: 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.
While originally presented to the market in 1977, it wasn't until four years later in 1981 that this specific reference 4100BC was offered to the public. Mainly produced in stainless steel, yellow gold and two-tone, recent research has shown that there are as few as 41 examples in white gold sold from 1981 to 1986 - of which 36 pieces in 1981. To put it into perspective, its production was so restricted that the timepiece was not included in any Audemars Piguet catalogue, nor photographed for identification. The gleaming diamond-set hour marker dial simply augments the level of rarity and complexity this subtle, yet extremely important timepiece has to offer. With a case numbered 010 and in incredible condition, the present ultra-rare example is a grail that cannot be missed.
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.
