Introduction
Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces.
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Grade
V 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch, Service Box and Service Documents (USB Card)
Est. value range
$20,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic
Reference
4100BA
Bracelet
Integrated 18k Yellow Gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, box, Timepiece Life & Care USB storage device card
Dial Color
Grey
THE DIAL
With its incredible "Petite Tapisserie" pattern, this example's grey dial features 18k yellow gold hands, hour markers, and date wheel that link its aesthetic to its 18k yellow gold construction. Additionally, this example's dial includes the Khanjar Dagger at 3 o'clock, which signal it as a piece that was ordered on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman to either be gifted to dignitaries, friends or diplomats or kept within the Sultan's private collection.
THE SIZE
Susceptible to a lot of change in its early days, the mid-size Royal Oak weighing in at 36mm proved to be an incredible success and so became the Royal Oak's go-to case proportions for mid-sized variants.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Having recently been returned from Audemars Piguet after a full overhaul, the watch presents itself in near-mint condition. Case and bezel are sharp and free from any marks or scratches. The dial is near-mint with no signs of oxidation. The hands were replaced at service and are super-luminova. The bracelet has 22 links, 8 of which are removable. There is little if any stretch.
Our Perspective
I have always been an avid fan of the mid-sized Royal Oak models, as they are not only exceptionally well priced, but also elegantly proportioned considering the increased heft from their integrated bracelet and tonneau-shaped cases. With a wonderful Khangar Dagger grey dial, this example is more than just a luxurious timepiece with a history that signals it as a special watch indeed.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
