Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1980 Reference No: 4100/477 Movement No: 214’876/899 Case No: No. 399 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2123, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 180 mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: With original Audemars Piguet certificate, leather portfolio, hang tag, product literature, Audemars Piguet price list, Extrait De Registre, outer packaging and fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
The Royal Oak has been in production for over 46 years now and still remains as the most iconic watch the firm has ever produced. Launched in 1972, the watch was designed by the famous Gerald Genta. It did not take long for the Royal Oak to achieve the status it has gained today.
In 1977, the firm launched its first model in yellow gold, reference 5402BA, similarly housed in a 39 millimeter case. It was not long after that a smaller version was introduced housed in a 35 millimeter case. The present example is a reference 4100BA in a yellow gold 35 millimeter case. Offered in excellent condition, the watch is further accompanied by the full set of accessories that came with the watch when it was purchased by the original owner.
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.