About this watch

In 1972, Audemars Piguet asked the world to pay gold-watch money for a watch made of steel, and watchmaking was never quite the same again. Gerald Genta's Royal Oak, with its octagonal bezel, eight exposed hexagonal screws, and a bracelet that flows out of the case rather than being attached to it, created the luxury sports watch category that every other maison has been chasing ever since. This is the reference 26331ST.OO.1220ST.02, the 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph and arguably the most complete expression of that design. The black Grande Tapisserie dial, with its intricate waffle guilloche catching the light differently at every angle, is offset by silver-toned counters that give the layout real depth and instant legibility. Applied white gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands carry the luminous fill, while the tapered steel bracelet articulates like jewellery and closes on the AP folding clasp. Look closely at the case flanks and you will find the alternating brushed and polished surfaces that only hand finishing achieves. As one of the Holy Trinity houses alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet needs no introduction, and the steel Royal Oak Chronograph re…