The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26240OR.OO.1320OR.01 is a 41mm luxury timepiece crafted in 18-carat pink gold to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak collection. It features a Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 Grande Tapisserie dial with pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands, all treated with luminescent coating for enhanced visibility. The case is protected by glareproofed sapphire crystals on both the front and the exhibition caseback, while the screw-locked crown and integrated pushers ensure a water resistance of up to 50 meters.
This model is powered by the in-house Calibre 4401, a self-winding movement comprising 381 parts and 40 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 4Hz and provides a substantial power reserve of 70 hours. The primary complications include a flyback chronograph with a column wheel system, which allows the wearer to stop, reset, and start the chronograph with a single press of a button, alongside standard date, hours, minutes, and small seconds functions. For the 50th Anniversary edition produced in 2022, the movement features a specialized 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight with the 50-years anniversary logo.
General reviews of the 26240OR highlight the exceptional finishing of the rose gold case and bracelet, noting that the redesigned thinner links and enlarged bevels offer superior comfort and light play compared to previous iterations. While the 41mm diameter is standard, some reviewers mention it has a significant wrist presence, often wearing more like a 43mm watch due to the integrated lug design. Critical feedback occasionally mentions that the Royal Oak design is a magnet for scratches on its polished surfaces and that the Calibre 4401 movement, while advanced, has had reports of minor hand-drifting issues with the chronograph minute counter. Despite these points, it is widely regarded as a pinnacle of modern horology that successfully balances sporting functionality with high-end luxury aesthetics.