Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100ST

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Reference 4100ST | A stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet | Circa 1979

Dial : grey tapisserie Calibre : cal. 2325 automatic, jewelled Movement number : K84'943 Case : stainless steel, case back secured by 8 screws Case number : B27'521, 1'538 Closure : stainless steel Audemars Piguet folding clasp Size : 35 mm diameter Signed : case, dial and movement Box : yes Papers : no Accessories : Audemars Piguet blank Certificate of Origin, service invoice dated March 2024 and presentation case with outer packaging Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Si prega di notare che il movimento non è stato testato per verificare la precisione dell'ora e potrebbe necessitare di una revisione a spese dell'acquirente. Sotheby's non garantisce il funzionamento del movimento in futuro e non garantisce l'autenticità dei singoli componenti poiché successive riparazioni o restauri potrebbero aver comportato la sostituzione delle parti originali.Designed by Jacqueline Dimier and introduced in 1977, the Royal Oak 4100 is also referred to as the Royal Oak III in the archives, marking it as the third model in the series, following the 5402 and 8638 It was the first Royal Oak to feature a central seconds hand, aiming to attract clients who found the 5402’s 39 mm size too large, particularly in Italy, the U.S., and Asia. With a 35 mm diameter, the 4100 set new standards. Upon its release, it came in steel, yellow gold, and two-tone versions. Most models housed the Calibre 2123, while later versions used the Calibre 2125 and Calibre 2124. From 1982 onwards, at least 96 watches had their mechanical calibres swapped for the quartz Calibre 2506, which was originally installed in at least 36 models. Over 8,400 units were produced between 1977 and 1985, with sales continuing until 2002. This present example of ref. 4100ST was produced in 1979, and it was sent to one of Belgium's leading retailers, a family-owned business founded in 1943. Having remained in the store since its delivery, the watch has been remarkably well-preserved and is in outstanding condition. It received a complete service in March 2024 and the movement was updated.