
Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’, Reference 4187BC | A white gold and diamond-set bracelet watch with date | Circa 1979
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: grey-blue
Calibre: 2121/1 automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 197'337
Case: 18k white gold, case back secured by 8 screws
Case number: B22'981, 64
Closure: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 4187BC is an extremely rare model produced over a span of twelve years, from 1979 to 1991, with only nineteen examples made in total. Of these, ten were crafted in white gold, reference 4187BC, such as the present example, while the remaining nine were produced in yellow gold under reference 4187BA.
Derived from the iconic Jumbo Royal Oak reference 5402, the 4187 is distinguished by the addition of 64 diamonds set at the base of its octagonal bezel, subtly enhancing its architectural design while preserving the integrity and proportions of the original form.
Introduced at a time when Audemars Piguet was beginning to explore more opulent interpretations of its revolutionary sports watch, the reference 4187 represents one of the earliest and most refined expressions of this evolution, combining the boldness of the Royal Oak with the elegance of precious materials.
Extraordinarily difficult to source, the reference 4187 holds particular significance as the first gem-set Jumbo Royal Oak, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a discreet yet highly important variation of this iconic design.