Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331OR

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The first Royal Oak was presented in 1972. The first Chronograph version was launched in '98. The Royal Oak Chronograph started a new era for the Royal Oak as it became a watch that appealed to two distinct groups of buyers: true aficionados (collectors, watch geeks) and regular high-end watch buyers (anybody else). Audemars Piguet had created a new category of watches just like the Swiss watch brand did with the introduction of the original Royal Oak. The Royal Oak Chronograph perfectly combines the classic looks with modern sportiness and therefore, it became a great watch for anybody that could afford it. Thanks to its design, the chronographs especially became popular among young, succesful people like athletes and artists. It is indispensable to Audemars Piguet's collection and the brand offers a wide variety of this model.The example we can offer you dates back to 2019. The case is from 18k rose gold and measures 41 mm in diameter. The brown 'Grande Tapisserie' dial has three, rose-gold sub dials, rose-gold applied hour markers and matching hands with luminescent coating. We really appreciate the date aperture between the 4- and 5-hour position. It has an 18k rose-gold, integrated bracelet with AP folding clasp. The watch comes as a full set.

Introduction

Audemars Piguet Royal OakIn 1970, Audemars Piguet instructed Genta to come up with an unprecedented steel watch. As the story goes, he found inspiration whilst seeing a diver at work with an old-fashioned diver’s helmet near Lake Geneva. Staying up all night, Genta drew the design for a circular case with an angular, octagonal bezel, eight visible screws, and an integrated bracelet. The Royal Oak was presented in 1972 as the most expensive steel watch available and it caused an uproar: why was a distinguished maison d’horlogerie putting out a sports watch, let alone in such a pedestrian material? Some experts even predicted that the Royal Oak would put Audemars Piguet out of business. Though it took a while to catch on, the Royal Oak is now one of the most iconic and long-lasting watch designs, and has spawned an entire product line. It wouldn’t be the first time that Genta would prove a brand’s owners, customers, and industry experts wrong. 

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.