Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26331ST.OO.1220ST.02

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST.00.1220ST.02 Black Dial

Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces. Launched at SIHH 2017 to celebrate the Royal Oak Chronograph's 20th anniversary, the ref. 26331ST features all of the design tenets that have become synonymous with the Royal Oak's construction, such as its angular tonneau-shaped case, octagonal bezel, intricate bracelet and Tappiserie dial. The ref. 26331ST, in particular, features a 'Grande Tapisserie' dial with silver subdials and standing out against a black backdrop that fills the rest of the dial. Presented with its box and papers, and a recent service invoice, this example is a true collector's piece. Brand : Audemars Piguet Dimensions : 41mm Model : Royal Oak Chronograph Movement : Automatic cal. 2385 Reference : 26331ST.00.1220ST.02 Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet Year : Circa 2020 Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch, box, papers, and 2023-dated service papers Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Creating a legible black and silver design, this Royal Oak features a beautiful black Grande Tapisserie dial with gorgeous silver subdials and white gold applied indices and hands that all join together to work in perfect harmony with one another. THE CONSTRUCTION Featuring all of the tenets that made the Royal Oak as iconic as it has become, the ref. 26331ST will feel familiar on the wrist of any watch aficionado that has been lucky enough to wear the Royal Oak before. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.