Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

Gerald Genta was the first — and arguably, the most important — "celebrity" watch designer.

 

Having conceived many important silhouettes, his most memorable work — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — was sketched in one day and changed the shape of the watch industry.

The Royal Oak essentially created an entirely new category of 'luxury sport' timepieces, and with it came a fresh design language that inspired countless other maisons. In fact, calling Genta a 'horological celebrity' is fitting considering the many celebrities who wear his creation, or have even created versions of their own. (Musicians John Mayer and Travis Scott are two of many who come to mind.) 

 

This chronograph model, a Reference 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01, features a 41mm stainless steel case with the collection's signature octagonal bezel and exposed screws; a sapphire crystal; chronograph pushers nestled in an octagonal housing; and a signed, screw-down crown. The case finish is a testament to the manufacture's attention to detail, highlighted by a beautiful, satin-brushed bezel hood and polished facets that seamlessly transition into the integrated steel bracelet. 

Complemented by applied white gold indices; a rhodium-toned, triple-register display; and a 4:30 date window set against a blue Grand Tapisserie dial, this piece wears incredibly well on the wrist thanks to its balanced proportions buoyed by the streamlined architecture of the self-winding Calibre 2385 engine within.

 

A cameo on the wrist of Donald Glover in the latest iteration of Mr. & Mrs. Smith proves just how versatile this Royal Oak Chronograph is. Indeed, whether you’re trying to elude a group of henchmen or you simply need a timepiece to complete a neck-breaking fit, this piece will not let you down.

Audemars Piguet, the vaunted manufacture from Les Brassus, wasn't doing so well at the end of the 1960s. Their horological prowess aside, times were changing, customer tastes were evolving, and AP was stuck firmly in a very traditional past. Fortunately for us, their executives recognized this, and bet it all on the launch of an avant garde timepiece the likes of which the world had never seen.

Utilizing the talents of a designer named Gerald Genta, who would make his name for designing this very watch, AP planned from the beginning to make this new watch - dubbed the Royal Oak - a contradiction to tradition, and it became the world's first luxury sports watch. Made in steel. The gamble paid off, and the watch world clamored to get their hands on the cutting edge design, which featured a sharply angled watch with integrated bracelet, micro tapisserie dial, and ultra thin movement.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.