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Lot #1159

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 38mm 26315ST.OO.1256ST.02

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Introduction

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.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 9.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Box and Papers

Est. value range

$30,000 – $40,000

The Details

Brand

Audemars Piguet

Dimensions

38mm

Model

Royal Oak Chronograph

Movement

Automatic cal. 2385

Reference

26315ST.OO.1256ST.02

Bracelet

Stainless Steel bracelet

Year

2020

Condition

Near-Mint

Material

Stainless Steel

Included

Watch, Box and Papers

Dial Color

Grey

THE DIAL

Creating a stunning monochromatic aesthetic, this Royal Oak features a beautiful ruthenium-toned Grande Tapisserie dial with gorgeous rhodium-toned counters that work stunningly well together.

NEW CASE

Released in 2019, this reference was amongst the first within Audemars Piguet's new 38mm sizing for the Royal Oak Chronograph, which, in effect, created a perfectly sized unisex timepiece.

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.

Condition

Watch is in near-mint / like new condition, having been worn only a handful of times. There are no visible scratches or marks visible. Bracelent links have been removed but are included.

Our Perspective

By combining an incredible grey dial with a refreshed 38mm case size, Audemars Piguet has created the perfect Royal Oak for someone with refined tastes that still packs a heavy punch of horological prowess.

Eric Ku

Co-founder