The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph reference 26240OR.OO.1320OR.07 is a 41mm luxury timepiece crafted from 18-carat pink gold. It features the collection’s signature octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws and an integrated pink gold bracelet designed with thinner, lighter links for enhanced ergonomic comfort. The silver-toned dial, often described as white, is decorated with the Grande Tapisserie pattern and features pink gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. A glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback protect the watch, which is water-resistant to 50 meters.
At its core, the watch is powered by the self-winding Calibre 4401, an in-house integrated movement featuring a column wheel and a flyback chronograph function. This complication allows the wearer to stop, reset, and start the chronograph with a single press of the pusher. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a substantial 70-hour power reserve. In addition to the chronograph sub-dials, the dial includes functions for hours, minutes, small seconds, and a date window positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock.
General reviews of the 26240 series often praise its exceptional external finishing and the aesthetic appeal of the redesigned case, which sits more comfortably on the wrist due to its updated proportions. The flyback movement is frequently noted for its smooth pusher action and high-quality construction. However, some owners have reported reliability concerns regarding the Calibre 4401, specifically mentioning instances of the chronograph minute hand drifting or the movement stopping unexpectedly. While its high-polish surfaces are known to be prone to scratches, the watch is widely regarded as a versatile and iconic sports watch that maintains a significant presence on the wrist.