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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic
Reference
4100
Bracelet
Integrated 18k Yellow Gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
With its incredible "Petite Tapisserie" pattern, this example's golden champagne dial features 18k yellow gold hands, hour markers, and date wheel to complete a staggeringly monochromatic aesthetic that wonderfully matches its 18k yellow gold construction.
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
Watch is in excellent condition. Dial is flawless. Bezel has a few hairline scratches. Bracelet has a total of 20 links, 7 of which are removable. There is little 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 monochromatic design and a wonderful champagne dial, this example is quite the luxurious timepiece that will undoubtedly go for gold.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
