Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100SA 'Tropical'
This one has found a new home. Looking for one like it? We source watches on request.
Find me one like itAudemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100SA Tropical: The First Mid Size Royal Oak
When the Royal Oak arrived in 1972, its 39mm case was enormous by the standards of the day. By the end of the decade Audemars Piguet answered with the reference 4100: the same octagonal bezel, the same eight hexagonal screws and the same integrated bracelet, brought down to 35mm. It was the first mid size Royal Oak, and it laid the groundwork for every 36mm reference that followed, including the 14790 we consider the finest Royal Oak ever made.
This example pairs stainless steel with an 18k yellow gold bezel and gold bracelet links, the combination that defined luxury at the turn of the eighties. The dial is what sets it apart. Over the decades it has turned a warm, even tropical brown, consistent across the whole surface, the kind of change only time and light can produce. One thing we flag in the interest of transparency: the Certificate of Origin does not state a production year, so we date this piece to the reference's production window rather than guess.
Design & Movement
35mm stainless steel case with 18k yellow gold bezel and screws, Petite Tapisserie dial with applied gold indexes and date, integrated steel and gold bracelet. Inside is AP's automatic movement with date.
Provenance & Condition
Full set with the original inner and outer box and Certificate of Origin. The case and bracelet present sharp and honest for their age.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 4100SA: where the mid size Royal Oak began, with a dial only time could have made.
Interested, or have questions about this piece? Send us a DM, we're happy to share more photos, condition notes, or full provenance details.
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 4100SA
Bracelet: Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, integrated
Dial: Tropical brown, Petite Tapisserie, evenly aged
Case: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold bezel
Dimensions: 35mm
Box: yes (inner and outer)
Paperwork: yes (Certificate of Origin)
Year: circa late 1970s to early 1980s