Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26300ST.OO.1110ST.07
Luxury Sports Watch / Chronograph · Audemars Piguet (Independent). Part of the 'Big Three' (Holy Trinity) of Swiss watchmaking alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
Period: Modern Luxury (Neo-Vintage feel). This reference was produced in the 2000s and early 2010s, maintaining Gérald Genta's 1972 design DNA with integrated lugs and octagonal bezel.
Type
Luxury Sports Watch / Chronograph
Brand
Audemars Piguet (Independent). Part of the 'Big Three' (Holy Trinity) of Swiss watchmaking alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
Movement
Automatic, Calibre 2385 (based on the legendary Frédéric Piguet 1185). It features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, 3.0Hz (21,600 vph) frequency, 40-hour power reserve, and 37 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 39mm; Thickness: 11mm; Lug-to-lug: approx 49.5mm; Lug width: Integrated (proprietary). The 39mm 'Jumbo' size wears larger due to the flat case and integrated lugs.
Description
The Royal Oak Chronograph 39mm is often considered the 'sweet spot' for AP collectors. It retains the classic proportions of the original 1972 'Jumbo' while adding the utility of a world-class chronograph. This specific blue dial variant is highly coveted for its connection to the brand's boutique heritage.
Key Features
39mm case (pre-41mm era), 'Grande Tapisserie' engine-turned dial, screw-down pushers, and the thin profile enabled by the FP 1185 movement (one of the thinnest automatic chronographs in the world).
Dial Description
Blue 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern. Features three sub-dials (small seconds at 6, 30-minute counter at 3, 12-hour counter at 9). Applied white gold baton indices with luminous fill. Date window at 4:30.
Case Material
Stainless steel (316L). Features the signature AP finishing: a high-contrast combination of vertically brushed surfaces and mirror-polished chamfers/edges.
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Visible condition appears good with no significant surface scratches.
Bezel Details
Fixed octagonal bezel. Stainless steel with vertical brushing and 8 hexagonal white gold screws. Features the iconic exposed functional screw-heads.
Crown & Pushers
Hexagonal screw-down crown with 'AP' engraving. Screw-down chronograph pushers (distinctive to the 26300 reference over later iterations).
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel Royal Oak bracelet with 'AP' folding leaf clasp. Known for its 'liquid' feel and intricate tapering links.
Caseback Details
Solid/closed screw-down caseback with 'Royal Oak' engraving and serial numbers. The Calibre 2385 is not visible on this reference.
Movement Type
Automatic, Calibre 2385 (based on the legendary Frédéric Piguet 1185). It features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, 3.0Hz (21,600 vph) frequency, 40-hour power reserve, and 37 jewels.
Water Resistance
50 meters (5 ATM). While it has screw-down components, it is intended only for light splashes or swimming; not recommended for diving or high-impact water sports.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux. The movement is an in-house adjusted high-end ebauche (FP 1185).
Age Estimate
Circa 2008–2012. The 26300 series followed the 25860 and preceded the 41mm 26320 reference.
Cultural Significance
Representing the pinnacle of the 'Integrated Bracelet' sports watch category, it is a cultural icon of wealth, design-forward thinking, and horological prestige within the 'Hype Watch' market.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. The bezel brushing is crisp with sharp edges. The screws appear unmarred. Minor surface wear on the bracelet links consistent with light use. Final assessment requires verification of chronograph reset alignment.
Value Estimate
$35,000 - $48,000 USD depending on the presence of original box and papers. Blue dials command a significant premium over silver or black 'Panda' variants.
Care & Maintenance
Service interval of 5-7 years is recommended. Screw-down pushers must be fully tightened before any water exposure. Avoid magnetic fields which can affect the hairspring accuracy.
Similar Watches
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph (larger, different movement), Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980 (significantly more expensive), Rolex Daytona (different aesthetic, no integrated bracelet).
Interesting Facts
The Royal Oak saved AP from the Quartz Crisis in 1972. The 26300 reference was notably worn by various athletes and was the mainstay of the AP catalog before the trend moved toward larger 41mm and 44mm cases.