Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2017 Reference No: 26331OR.00.D315CR.01 Movement No: 991’131 Case No: J43828 Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2385, 37 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 dated February 27,2017, wooden presentation box, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The first Royal Oak Chronograph, the reference 25860, introduced in 1997 and housed the caliber 2385 based on the ultra-slim, Frederic Piguet caliber 1185. The new movement was the thinnest self-winding chronograph movement made at the time, permitting the classic thin profile of the original Royal Oak to be maintained.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph was a commercial success, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the model, the firm released the successor reference 26331. Introduced at SIHH 2017, the watch has all the appeal of the original, with the case enlarged slightly from a diameter of 39mm to 41mm. Fitted with a charismatic blue Grande Tapisserie dial with yellow gold luminous markers, it is both an impressive and masculine chronograph wristwatch.
The present example with crocodile strap is well preserved and accompanied by its original warranty dated February 2017 and presentation box.
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.
