The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26240BA.GG.1324BA.01 is a 41mm luxury timepiece characterized by its 18-carat yellow gold construction and a distinctive hammered frosted finish. This finish, achieved through a meticulous hand-hammering technique using a diamond-tipped tool, creates a shimmering effect that contrasts with the polished beveled edges of the case and bracelet. The watch features the collection’s signature octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws, a glareproofed sapphire crystal, and a transparent caseback that reveals the inner movement. Its yellow-gold-toned Grande Tapisserie dial is accented by black snailed sub-dials, creating a high-contrast aesthetic.
The watch is powered by the in-house Calibre 4401, a self-winding integrated chronograph movement that includes a column wheel and a vertical clutch system. This movement provides a 70-hour power reserve and features a flyback function, allowing the user to reset the chronograph without stopping it first. The dial includes a 12-hour counter at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, alongside a date aperture positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. The timepiece is water-resistant to 50 meters and is equipped with a screw-locked crown to ensure durability.
General reviews of this reference highlight its bold and “flashy” presence on the wrist, noting that the frosted gold finish combined with yellow gold makes it a highly recognizable and prestigious piece. Collectors praise the exceptional hand-finishing and the reliable performance of the Calibre 4401, though some users have noted that the movement can be more fragile than standard sports watch movements. While its 50-meter water resistance is occasionally criticized for not being a true diving spec, it is widely regarded as a premier luxury sports chronograph that balances architectural design with high-end horological craftsmanship.