Audemars Piguet - Royal Oak Chronograph 41 mm 26240

AP presented the new new Royal Oak Chrono 41mm 26240. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 41mm in steel (26240ST) has a price of €33,300

In the past weeks we have started presenting some of the novelties launched by Audemars Piguet in 2022, including the updated Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin ref. 16202 and the Openworked version ref. 16204.

Today we go more in depth on the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41 mm ref. 26240. For this model, the Swiss brand introduced 12 new references, 4 in steel and in 8 pink gold. 

The main novelty is represented by the new Calibre 4401 - first introduced on gold models in 2021 - that is now powering all 41 mm Royal Oak selfwinding chronographs, including the stainless steel versions. 

Featuring a column wheel and a vertical clutch system, this in-house integrated chronograph movement endowed with flyback function offers enhanced chronometry as well as an instantaneous date-change mechanism. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers 70 hours of power reserve.

The sapphire crystal caseback makes it possible to appreciate its refined finishing, including Côtes de Genève, satin brushing, circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers. 

The dedicated oscillating weight in 22-carat gold features the “50-years” logo and the engraved Audemars Piguet signature. It has been matched to the colour of each case and finished with an alternation of satin-finishing and polished chamfers. 

The design has been streamlined. In particular, the bevels adorning the top and the bottom of the 41 mm x 12.4 mm case have been enlarged to enhance the play of light between the satin-finished and polished surfaces. The caseback has been slightly more integrated into the case middle for improved ergonomics. Equipped with a screw-locked crown, the watch is water resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet.

The integrated bracelet’s first four links are now trapezoid in shape and no longer parallel. For added comfort, the links are also thinner and thicker.  Three models in pink gold are matched to alligator leather straps.

Protected by a glareproofed sapphire crystal, the dial has the typical 3-6-9 layout with the three snailed counters standing out against the signature “Grande Tapisserie” pattern. The date aperture has been positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock.

Available in black, blue green and silver, the dials are enhanced by applied hour-markers and hands in white gold (for the steel models) or pink gold. The luminescent coating improves readability in poor light conditions.

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41 mm in steel (ref. 26240ST) has a suggested retail price of Euro 33,300 / US$ 33,800 while the pink gold versions (ref. 26240OR) retail at Euro 49,300 / US$ 50,100 with strap or Euro 71,100 / US$ 72,300 with gold bracelet. Euro prices include VAT while US$ prices are taxes excluded. 

A jeweled version with the 18-carat pink gold case set with brilliant-cut diamonds has also been presented. audemarspiguet.com 

Suggested reading:

- History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak