Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 26331OR.OO.1220OR.01

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26331OR.OO.1220OR.01 is one of the most celebrated expressions of Gérald Genta's iconic 1972 design, combining the Royal Oak's legendary sporting architecture with full chronograph functionality in a luxurious 18K pink gold execution. Introduced at SIHH 2017, marking the 20th anniversary of the original Royal Oak Chronograph, this reference quickly became one of the most sought-after pieces in the collection, revered by collectors for its striking blue-and-gold color combination.

The watch features a 41 mm 18K pink gold case with the Royal Oak's signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal polished screws, a design element that has defined the collection since its debut. The case displays the collection's hallmark combination of brushed and polished surfaces, executed with meticulous precision to create the interplay of light and texture that distinguishes the Royal Oak. The blue dial features the iconic "Grande Tapisserie" pattern — a grid of small, raised squares — with pink gold-toned chronograph counters providing a warm contrast: a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock, and a 12-hour chronograph counter at 6 o'clock. Applied pink gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands are fitted with luminescent coating for legibility in low-light conditions. A date window sits discreetly between 4 and 5 o'clock, maintaining dial symmetry. The caseback features a glareproofed sapphire crystal, offering a view of the decorated movement and its 22K gold rotor.

The case construction includes a screw-locked crown, glareproofed sapphire crystal on the front, and a water resistance of 50 meters (5 ATM).

Powering the watch is the Audemars Piguet Calibre 2385, a self-winding integrated chronograph movement based on the architecture of the renowned Frédéric Piguet Calibre 1185. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) with 37 jewels, comprising 304 individual components. The movement features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with vertical clutch for smooth, precise start-stop operation of the chronograph hand. At just 5.50 mm in thickness, it is one of the flattest automatic chronograph movements in the world, contributing to the Royal Oak Chronograph's remarkably slim 11 mm case profile. The 22K gold rotor winds unidirectionally, providing a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.

The watch is fitted with the iconic Royal Oak integrated bracelet in 18K pink gold, featuring alternating brushed and polished finishing in the collection's characteristic style, secured by an AP folding clasp.

Key Specifications

• Reference: 26331OR.OO.1220OR.01

• Collection: Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph

• Year Introduced: 2017 (SIHH)

• Case Material: 18K pink gold

• Bezel: Octagonal, 18K pink gold with eight hexagonal screws

• Diameter: 41 mm

• Thickness: approx. 11 mm

• Dial: Blue with "Grande Tapisserie" pattern, pink gold-toned counters

• Date: Window between 4 and 5 o'clock

• Caseback: Transparent sapphire crystal

• Calibre: Audemars Piguet 2385, automatic integrated chronograph (base Frédéric Piguet 1185)

• Jewels: 37

• Total Components: 304

• Movement Thickness: 5.50 mm

• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

• Chronograph: Column wheel with vertical clutch

• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds (9 o'clock), chronograph — 30-minute counter (3 o'clock), 12-hour counter (6 o'clock), date

• Power Reserve: ~40 hours

• Rotor: 22K gold, unidirectional winding

• Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 ATM)

• Crown: Screw-locked

• Bracelet: Integrated 18K pink gold with AP folding clasp