Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100BA - 18k Yellow Gold - Anthracite Tapisserie Dial

Unveiled in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak redefined the luxury watch landscape. Designed overnight by the legendary Gérald Genta, it was the world's first luxury sports watch crafted from stainless steel—a bold departure at a time when gold dominated the Haute horology market. Its distinctive design featured an octagonal bezel inspired by a ship's porthole, secured by exposed hexagonal screws, an integrated bracelet, and a now-iconic "tapisserie" patterned dial. Launched during the height of the Quartz Crisis, the Royal Oak was a daring gamble. Priced in stainless steel higher than many gold watches of the era, its unconventional aesthetic initially met resistance. However, it soon captured the attention of collectors and tastemakers, setting a new standard for combining rugged sportiness with refined elegance. Over the years, the Royal Oak has become a true watchmaking icon, evolving into multiple collections. It stands as a testament to Audemars Piguet's innovation, seamlessly bridging tradition and modernity through one of the most influential designs in horological history. In 1977, Jacqueline Dimier designed the Royal Oak reference 4100—internally known as the "Royal Oak III"—the third iteration in the collection, following the 5402 and the smaller 8638. It was the first Royal Oak to feature a central seconds hand and was intended to appeal to clients who found the 5402's 39 mm case too large, a sentiment particularly common in markets like Italy. The present example is the rarer yellow gold variant, paired with a classic grey anthracite tapisserie dial. Preserved in very good condition, it presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a distinguished and historically significant piece from the Royal Oak legacy.