AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH

The story behind this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

In April 1972, at the Basel Fair, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak, the first high-end steel watch to feature an integrated bracelet. Gérald Genta is said to have sketched the initial designs in a single night, inspired by the visor of a diving helmet and its exposed screws. The octagonal bezel, held in place by eight hexagonal screws, became the signature feature of a collection that elevated steel to the status of a precious metal. In 2022, to mark the model’s 50th anniversary, the Le Brassus-based brand is updating the entire range, and the Royal Oak Chronograph, reference 26715ST.OO.1356ST.01 succeeds the 26315 in a 38 mm case. Its dial features the ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ shade – the name of the blue chosen in 1972 for the very first Royal Oak – which is extended here to the tone-on-tone sub-dials.

Case, movement and strap of this Royal Oak Chronograph

The 38 mm steel case, 11 mm thick, alternates between satin-finished surfaces and polished bevels, from the bezel to the middle. The screw-down crown, bearing the AP signature, is flanked by two pushers, and the solid screw-down caseback features the Royal Oak logo in relief on a sandblasted centre. The watch is water-resistant to 50 metres. The blue dial with a Grande Tapisserie pattern features three blued sub-dials: the 12-hour sub-dial at 9 o’clock, the 30-minute sub-dial at 3 o’clock and the small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, with a date window at 4.30. The applied white gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands are coated with luminescent material, set against a fine minute track etched onto the flange. The self-winding Calibre 2385, a column-wheel chronograph, comprises 304 components and 37 jewels, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 40 hours. The integrated steel bracelet, with a satin-finished surface and polished intermediate links, fastens with an AP-signed folding clasp. At 11 mm thick, the chronograph retains the slim profile of a Royal Oak and slips easily under a shirt cuff.

Why this Audemars Piguet watch

The steel Royal Oak Chronograph remains difficult to find in official boutiques. The 38 mm size is ideal for those who find the 41 mm model too imposing, without compromising on the robust build of a sporty chronograph. The ‘Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50’ dial is also the version most faithful to the 1972 Royal Oak. Buying second-hand means you can wear this watch without a waiting list, complete with its full set of accessories, after it has been inspected by our teams. The calibre 2385 is based on the Frédéric Piguet 1185, an automatic chronograph with a column wheel measuring just 5.5 mm in height, which is responsible for the case’s slim profile.

Contents and condition

The watch is supplied as a full Audemars Piguet set, complete with its green wooden case, outer box, document pouch and international warranty card. It has been previously worn and shows only slight signs of external wear. The satin finish remains crisp, the polished bevels retain sharp edges, and neither the dial nor the hands show any visible flaws. The case and strap are in excellent overall condition, and the watch is ready to wear as soon as you receive it.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.