The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26715BC.ZZ.1356BC.02 is a high-luxury 38mm timepiece that merges the collection’s iconic sports silhouette with precious materials. Crafted entirely from 18-carat white gold, the case features a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.66 carats. A defining characteristic of this model is its deep black onyx dial, which replaces the traditional Grande Tapisserie pattern for a minimalist, polished aesthetic. This sleek surface is punctuated by 12 baguette-cut diamond hour markers and white gold Royal Oak hands treated with luminescent coating, ensuring legibility despite the monochromatic design.
Powering this chronograph is the self-winding Calibre 2385, an integrated column-wheel movement with a frequency of 3 Hz and a 40-hour power reserve. The movement enables a suite of complications including a central chronograph seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, and small seconds at 6 o’clock. A date display is positioned discreetly between 4 and 5 o’clock. The watch is built for daily versatility with a water resistance of 50 meters and is completed by an integrated 18-carat white gold bracelet featuring the signature AP folding clasp.
General reviews of the 26715BC.ZZ.1356BC.02 emphasize its rare combination of a mineral dial and gemstone setting within a mid-sized case, making it an appealing option for those seeking a more compact, unisex alternative to the 41mm models. Critics often praise the high-contrast aesthetic of the black onyx against the white gold and diamonds, noting it as a bold departure from standard Royal Oak designs. While the Calibre 2385 is noted for its slim profile and reliability, some enthusiasts point out that it lack a hacking seconds feature and has a shorter power reserve compared to newer in-house Audemars Piguet movements. However, its status as a limited production piece ensures its desirability among collectors of high-jewelry horology.