Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2022 Reference No: 26240OR.OO.D315CR.01 Movement No: BQ2757 Case No: YL9156P Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph 41, 50th Anniversary Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4401, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 41mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet warranty card, instruction manual, product literature, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In honour of the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary last year, Audemars Piguet launched a new range of Royal Oak Chronograph wristwatches. Seventeen new iterations were slowly released throughout 2022, offering 38mm (26715) and 41mm (26240) sizes, an array of different colourways, and blinding diamond-set variants.
To celebrate the momentous event, the firm reintroduces the "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" dial color from the 1972 original Royal Oak in Grande Tapisserie effect. Compared to its previous ref. 26331, the new reference not only features larger hour markers but most notably a 50th anniversary rotor composed of gold displayed through its sapphire caseback. A rare sight, it is believed that Audemars Piguet only produced these models fitted with the 50th anniversary rotor for the year of 2022.
The present example is indeed one of these rare examples fitted with a 50th anniversary rotor. With a 41mm diameter case, the present ref. 26240OR dressed in pink gold features the desirable "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" dial colour that is simply the perfect contrast against the pink gold case. Offered in excellent overall condition and complete with its full set of accessories, it is a great opportunity for collectors and lovers of the Royal Oak to own a spectacular and attractive anniversary Royal Oak Chronograph.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
Ref. 26240OR.OO.D315CR.01 An attractive and rare pink gold chronograph wristwatch with date, warranty and presentation box, made to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Oak
Circa 2022 41mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed