Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak Chronograph ‘50th Anniversary’, Reference 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04 | A stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch with date and bracelet | Circa 2022
Auction Closed
May 11, 11:29 AM GMT
Estimate
30,000 - 60,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: khaki green, Grande Tapisserie
Calibre: cal. 4401 automatic, 40 jewels
Movement number: BD5’885
Case: stainless steel, sapphire crystal display case back secured by 8 screws
Case number: G’L11’73J
Closure: stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet and double-folding clasp
Size: 41 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Audemars Piguet warranty card, instruction manual, numbered hang tag, presentation case with outer packaging and associated travel case
The Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta, stands as one of the most iconic and enduring watch designs of the past century, with its legendary genesis rooted in the reference 5402ST. Unveiled in 1972 by Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak Reference 5402 revolutionized the horological landscape as the world’s premier stainless steel luxury sports watch boasting a seamlessly integrated bracelet. Its debut marked a historic moment, commanding a price tag higher than even the brand's gold dress wristwatches due to the incredible amount of work invested in its finishing.
In 2022, to celebrate 50 years of the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet launched the reference 26240ST, the first Royal Oak chronograph powered by the new in-house automatic caliber 4401 with a flyback chronograph function. This model stands out with its perfectly balanced subdials, a date window near the dial’s edge, and a striking green khaki dial adorned with the iconic "grande tapisserie" motif. Housed in a robust 41 mm stainless steel case, the movement features a special rotor with a ‘50 Years’ logo, commemorating the iconic Royal Oak's half-century celebration.
The present example is offered in excellent condition and has not been worn previously.