Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2007 Reference No: 26022BC.OO.D002CR.01 Case No: F78'787, No. 1132 Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
With the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ever growing in demand by collectors around the globe, the quest for handsome iterations of the model is on an all-time high. While the firm celebrates their 50th anniversary of the famed model, it is important to look back at the evolution of the Royal Oak, such as the milestone chronograph models that was first introduced in 1997. While the octagonal-shaped case has housed many various complications over the decades, the chronograph is certainly one of the most desirable yet undervalued examples from the family.
Introduced in the early 2000s, the ref. 26022BC.OO.D002CR.01 featuring a 39mm diameter case in white gold is further complimented by the firm’s signature grande tappiserie dial in white, matching perfectly with the tone of the white gold case. Powered by the firm’s cal. 2385 column wheel chronograph movement, it consists to a total of 304 components.
Well-preserved and certainly attractive due to its friendly proportions the present example Royal Oak Chronograph in white gold with a matching white dial will surely garner interest from the community of Audemars Piguet collectors.
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.