The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph reference 26331OR.OO.D821CR.01 is a 41mm luxury sports watch featuring an 18-carat rose gold case and the collection’s signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. This model is characterized by its “Grande Tapisserie” dial in a rich chocolate brown hue, complemented by rose gold-toned sub-dials, applied hour markers, and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. The timepiece is paired with a hand-stitched brown alligator leather strap featuring large square scales and an 18-carat rose gold AP folding clasp, offering a classic aesthetic compared to the integrated metal bracelets of the line.
At its core, the watch is powered by the in-house caliber 2385 self-winding movement, which provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Its complications include a column-wheel chronograph with a central seconds hand, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock. Additionally, it features a date display positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The construction includes a screw-down crown and sapphire crystal, ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters.
General reviews of the 26331OR highlight its striking visual contrast between the warm rose gold and the deep chocolate dial, often noting its significant wrist presence and high level of hand-finishing. Enthusiasts praise the movement’s vertical clutch for its smooth chronograph engagement, though some critics point to the 40-hour power reserve as being relatively short compared to more modern movements. Despite being a thick watch, it is frequently cited for its balanced proportions and its status as a highly desirable “grail” piece for collectors seeking a more formal iteration of the Royal Oak.