Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03 50th Anniversary White Dial

Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces. Launched in 2022 as part of the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary releases, the new Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26240ST is a subtly improved version of the Royal Oak Chrono that proves watchmakers don’t need to make sweeping changes to improve their watches. Indeed, this new stainless steel reference, the ref. 26715ST, features a new dial design with new hour markers to give uniformity to the collection. However, some small changes have also been made that differentiate its design from the original, like the removal of AP’s “AP” logo at 12 o’clock which gives the dial more space to breathe resulting in a less cluttered look. Measuring 41mm in diameter, the ref. 26240ST introduces a new case size to the Royal Oak Chronograph family that collectors are sure to love given its universal wearability and similarity to the original 39mm Royal Oak “Jumbo” from 1972. Offered with a beautiful silver dial, this example is a fully monochromatic beauty that will easily settle into any collection, complete with commemorative 50th anniversary winding rotor to truly set it apart as a special watch. Brand : Audemars Piguet Dimensions : 41mm x 12.4mm Model : Royal Oak Chronograph Movement : Automatic cal. 4401 Reference : 26240ST.OO.1320ST.03 Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet Year : 2022 Condition : Near-Mint Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch, box and papers Dial Color : Silver THE DIAL Featuring the Royal Oak's signature "Grande Tapisserie" pattern alongside its shimmering shade of silver, the ref. 26240ST's dial is a monochromatic masterpiece rooted in the Royal Oak's heritage that serves to perfectly complement its equally bright and impressive stainless steel construction. THE CONSTRUCTION Angular and geometric, the Royal Oak design by Gerald Genta has become a bona fide icon. This example retains all the sharp finishings that Audemars Piguet is known for alongside the Royal Oak Chronograph's unique twists such as its bolt-like chronograph pushers. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.