AUDEMARS PIGUET
Royal Oak
Ref. 4100BA
The Royal Oak was not a blast commercially back in 1972/73. Its proportions were unusual (39mm diameter / 7mm tickness) and its design very iconoclast. It took two years before they could sell the first 1000 pieces. In 1976 Audemars asked Jacqueline Dimier to rethink the 5402 « for ladies » and so was designed & born the little sister 8638 (29mm) but she also did the first intermediate size: the 4100 (36mm). In the early 80s the later was updated by reference 14100st before it was decided in the late 1980s to rethink the 36mm sized Royal Oak with the 14790st which remained in production until 2006.
The current timepiece is dated from November 1978 and features a very desireable small lettering light grey dial in PERFECT condition. Size = 36mm and only 7mm thick.
The case and bezel are absolutely superb for a 37 year watch and the bracelet is still allowing the watch to stand up! This is often the sign of an outstanding condition.
Serial: B35xxx N°417 from 1978
Movement: AP caliber 2123
Box & papers: AP service box and fresh extract from the register.
