Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 4187BC
    Movement No: 198'143
    Case No: B23002 and 85
    Model Name: Royal Oak
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121/1, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, measuring 200mm max.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original fitted box, Audemars Piguet setting tool/screwdriver, Care Card and travel pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 4187BC is an ultra rare gem set variant of the iconic Royal Oak jumbo ref 5402 of which only 10 were ever made in white gold (according to the AP Chronicles published by Audemars Piguet). So rare is this model that to the best of our research the last example to grace an international auction room was sold at Phillips Geneva in November 2020.

    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 added 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 (8 diamonds per side) 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 ultra-rare example is fresh to the market, offered by its original owner and not only in excellent condition but also a super early example bearing number 085.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

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143

Ref. 4187BC
An exceptionally rare and well preserved white gold automatic wristwatch with diamond-set indexes and diamond set bezel, one of only 10 made

Circa 1979
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€53,200-106,000
$58,100-116,000

Sold for CHF107,950

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024