While the first Royal Oak debuted in 1972, the first Royal Oak Chronograph was introduced in late 1997 with the reference 25860. Measuring 39mm in diameter, consistent with the Royal Oak Jumbo, the design has altered little in the nearly 25 years since. Originally, the Royal Oak Chronograph was fitted with the automatic caliber 2385, based on an Frederic Piguet ébauche – the same used in the Breguet Marine and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. In 2012, the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak, a new and improved Royal Oak Chronograph appeared, upsized to 41mm for the first time and with pared-down dial aesthetics. Currently, it appears in both 41mm and 38mm sizing, to suit a variety of wrist sizes, and with myriad case materials, decorations, and dial colors.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the Chronograph once again benefitted from an influx of new materials and combinations. One of the seventeen new iterations introduced to celebrate the momentous occasion, the present watch features an 18K pink gold case with a “khaki” green dial, in the larger 41mm case. Subtle changes to the case and bracelet architecture were introduced for greater comfort on the wrist. The “khaki” green coloration, featured on the pink gold and steel variants, is an attractive choice for a luxury sports watch – evoking the utility of military fatigues while exuding elegance.

The present reference 26240 features its complete set of original accessories, and is presented in excellent overall condition. The specially-engraved “50th Anniversary” rotor will no longer appear on these references, making this example particularly covetable.