Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2011 Reference No: 26022OR Movement No: 782'906 Case No: H32994.3461 Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity, user manual, presentation box with outer packaging and travel pouch. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 2004 and in production until 2018, reference 26022 was a dressier version of the Royal Oak chronograph reference 25860 as it featured a leather strap and was available only in precious metals.
The present watch is in superb condition. It seems that the original owner only wore it once or twice before deciding to leave it safe in its box. Featuring a more dressy appeal than the version with bracelet, this extremely attractive and charismatic chronograph in pink gold displays a silver tapisserie dial with contrasting subdials and is further complemented by a warm brown crocodile strap. Presented complete with its original box and papers it is an excellent opportunity to own a modern piece that combines at its best elegance and sportiveness.
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.