Lot 127

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak Automatic

A heavy Geneva wristwatch with diamond indexes, tropical dial and date

Sold

This Royal Oak is a rare piece without letter marking on the case back. The case shows some age-appropriate signs of wear and features a fascinating "Tapisserie" dial with diamond indexes, where the black pyramid-shaped squares have taken a strong dark red hue with time. Like in the first series the "Audemars Piguet" logo sits below 12 o’clock. The dial also features the "Automatic" label above 6 o’clock – the piece is a worthy addition for any collection of very fine wristwatches.

In the records, this Royal Oak designed by Jacqueline Dimier and launched in 1977, was also listed as Royal Oak III, as it was the third model in the collection after the 5402 and the 8638. It was the first Royal Oak with central second hand and intended for a clientele that found the 5402 (39 mm) too large for their liking, in particular on the United States and Asian markets. The 4100 set new standards with its 35 mm size. It was always available in steel, yellow gold and bicolour. More than 8400 watches were produced and sold from 1977 to 1985.