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. With its 39mm stainless steel case it was quickly nicknamed the “Jumbo” due to how much larger it was compared to other watches from the time. As a result, AP decided to down-size the Royal Oak in 1976 by launching the ref. 8638, a 29mm female variant and the ref. 4100ST, which we have here, in 1977. Sized at 35mm, the ref. 4100ST was much more in tune with how large watches were in the seventies and thus a popular model with around 8400 pieces produced between 1977 and 1984. Launched as the third Royal Oak variant ever, the ref. 4100ST features the Royal Oak’s signature ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial, but with the inclusion of a central seconds hand, the result of its automatic cal. 2325 movement. Launched in stainless steel, two-tone and all gold, the model we have here is the stainless steel variant – the truest reflection of the Royal Oak’s iconic identity.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Service Paperwork from 2015/2016
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
35mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 2325
Reference
4100ST
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch and 2016-dated AP service papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting the Royal Oak's signature 'Petite Tapisserie' dial, this example's dial sports an AP logo with a beautiful patina and wonderfully aged lume in its hour markers and hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a 35mm diameter, the ref. 4100ST was the mid-sized variant of its day, allowing the Royal Oak's design to be enjoyed by those could not handle its original 39mm "Jumbo" case.
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
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case is well defined but shows a number of surface scratches and marks. The bezel remains well defined, with light scratches. The case back features deep ROYAL OAK engravings and a still legible serial number. The dial and hands are in excellent condition. The integrated bracelet has surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 6 1/2" wrist and has 18 links, 2 of which are removable. The watch comes with a service estimate and receipt from 2016, detailing a comprehensive overhaul that included a new movement, crown and tube, and two hands, among other parts.
Our Perspective
The first of the mid-sized Royal Oaks, the ref. 4100ST kickstarted what has now grown to become one of the most popular sizes for the Royal Oak, with good reason. Easy to wear and infinitely elegant, the ref. 4100ST is a pleasure on the wrist.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
