Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2015 Reference No: 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 Movement No: 934’153 Case No: No. 3688; I 87515 Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, overall max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Warranty, Authentication, and Registration Certificate dated August 11th 2015, inner presentation box, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The first Royal Oak chronograph was introduced in 1998, nearly three decades after the debut of the Royal Oak in 1972. The reference 25860 housed the caliber 2385 based on the Frederic Piguet caliber 1185 – the thinnest self-winding chronograph movement made at the time, permitting the classic thin profile of the original Royal Oak to be maintained.
In 2008, Audemars Piguet replaced the reference 25860 with the introduction of the Royal Oak reference 26320 - a redesigned model featuring a three-piece case similar in construction to the brand’s Offshore collection. Now discontinued, the successor reference updated the case diameter to 41mm, but the 40mm case of the 26320 is by no means diminutive. With its charismatic, glossy black grande tapisserie dial and pink gold luminous markers, it is both an impressive and masculine chronograph wristwatch.
The present example in pink gold from 2015 is in excellent, nearly new overall condition and was probably worn only a handful of times. Accompanied by the International Warranty booklet and presentation box, this is a rare opportunity to own a model that is difficult to find and highly sought after.
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.
