Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Co-Signed Fred Paris Gold Steel Automatic Ref. 4100SA from 1970s
A rare and historically significant early Royal Oak, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 4100SA from 1970s represents one of the most refined two-tone executions of Gérald Genta’s iconic design. Crafted in stainless steel and yellow gold, this example stands out not only for its beautifully preserved condition but also for its exceptional co-signature from the prestigious Parisian jeweler Fred. Royal Oaks retailed by third-party jewelers are extremely uncommon, and this piece bears a rare Fred Paris engraving on the caseback, likely commissioned for a VIP client. Such retailer-signed Royal Oaks are highly sought after by collectors. The Royal Oak III – A New Proportion Designed by Jacqueline Dimier and introduced in 1977, the reference 4100 is often referred to as the Royal Oak III in Audemars Piguet archives. It followed the groundbreaking 5402 “Jumbo” and the reference 8638, introducing a new size and technical evolution to the Royal Oak family. With a 35 mm case, the 4100 was created to appeal to collectors who found the 39 mm Jumbo too large—particularly in markets such as Italy, the United States, and Asia. Despite its more compact size, it retains all the defining features of the Royal Oak design. The 4100 was also the first Royal Oak equipped with a centre seconds hand, marking an important technical milestone within the collection. Case – Gold & Steel Royal Oak The 35 mm case combines stainless steel with yellow gold, a classic two-tone configuration that became one of the signature aesthetics of late-1970s Royal Oak production. This example remains honest and well preserved, with the angles and edges still sharp, highlighting the distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet design. The watch includes one extra bracelet link, bringing the total bracelet length to approximately 18 cm. Dial – Grey Petite Tapisserie The watch features a beautiful grey “Petite Tapisserie” dial, one of the most recognizable elements of the Royal Oak. The tritium hour markers and hands have aged gracefully, developing a warm vintage patina that enhances the character of the watch. The dial remains highly attractive and authentic to the era. Movement – Calibre 2123 Inside the watch beats the Audemars Piguet calibre 2123, an automatic movement derived from the legendary ultra-thin calibre family developed with Jaeger-LeCoultre. This movement marked an important step in the Royal Oak lineage as the first AP automatic calibre with a central seconds hand used in the model. Reliable, refined, and historically significant, the calibre 2123 helped define the next generation of Royal Oak watches. Fred Paris Retailer Signature One of the most remarkable features of this watch is its Fred Paris retailer signature, engraved on the caseback. Fred was one of the most prestigious jewelers in Paris, known for creating exclusive pieces for elite clientele. Royal Oaks retailed through such jewelers were typically produced in extremely small numbers, often for special clients or private commissions. The presence of this engraving makes the watch particularly rare and collectible. Production & Rarity The reference 4100 was produced between 1977 and 1985, with sales continuing until 2002. Approximately 8,400 pieces were manufactured across all materials, with only 3,563 examples produced in the two-tone 4100SA configuration. Details & Condition This Royal Oak remains in excellent vintage condition with many original features intact. Notable details include: Original Audemars Piguet crown, Sapphire crystal in excellent condition, Beautifully aged tritium lume on dial and hands, Integrated gold and steel bracelet with one extra link, Rare Fred Paris engraving on the caseback.
