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 black and silver 'Grande Tapisserie' dial with black subdials and chapter ring standing out against a silver backdrop that fills the rest of the dial. Presented with its box and papers and hailing from its introduction year, this example is a true collector's piece.