Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01 (Black/Silver 'Panda')
Luxury Sports Chronograph · Audemars Piguet; independent 'Holy Trinity' Swiss manufacturer (Haute Horlogerie tier).
Period: Modern Luxury (2017-2021). It follows the iconic Gérald Genta design language of 1972 but with modern proportions and the 'panda' subdial configuration characteristic of the 20th-anniversary chronograph update.
Type
Luxury Sports Chronograph
Brand
Audemars Piguet; independent 'Holy Trinity' Swiss manufacturer (Haute Horlogerie tier).
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 2385; column-wheel chronograph based on the Frédéric Piguet 1185, 21,600 vph (3Hz), 40-hour power reserve, 37 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 41mm; thickness: 11mm; lug-to-lug: 51.5mm; lug width: Integrated. It wears larger due to the rigid first link of the integrated bracelet.
Description
The Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST is a cornerstone of modern luxury watchmaking. It blends the rugged aesthetic of a sports tool with the meticulous finishing of a high-jewelry piece. The 'Grand Tapisserie' dial provides incredible depth, and the contrasting silver subdials offer a sporty, racing-inspired aesthetic to Genta's architectural design.
Key Features
Octagonal bezel with exposed screws; integrated bracelet; 3-6-9 subdial layout; Grande Tapisserie dial pattern; integrated chronograph pusher guards.
Dial Description
Black 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern; silver-toned (panda) subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock; white gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating; date window between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel; features high-end brushed finishing on flat surfaces and expert mirror-polishing on the chamfers/bevels of the case and lugs.
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal with glareproof treatment; in the image, it appears clear with no visible scratches or chips.
Bezel Details
Fixed octagonal stainless steel bezel; vertically brushed finish with 8 hexagonal functional white gold screws; polished beveled edges.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down hexagonal crown with AP logo; screw-down hexagonal chronograph pushers protected by integrated shoulders.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel Royal Oak bracelet; brushed finish with polished 'inter-links'; AP folding clasp (AP-shaped deployant).
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback with 'Royal Oak' engraving and serial numbers; not an exhibition back for this specific reference.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding Calibre 2385; column-wheel chronograph based on the Frédéric Piguet 1185, 21,600 vph (3Hz), 40-hour power reserve, 37 jewels.
Water Resistance
50 meters (165 feet); suitable for light swimming but specialized for dry luxury sport use; seals should be pressure tested annually.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; manufactured in Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. In-house assembly with a high-grade outsourced movement base (Piguet).
Age Estimate
Circa 2017-2021; this specific reference was replaced by the 26240ST in 2022 during the 50th Anniversary.
Cultural Significance
One of the most recognizable and coveted luxury watches in the world; a symbol of status and peak 1970s industrial design that saved the brand during the quartz crisis.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the case and bezel show typical surface hairlines from wear. Screws appear aligned. The bracelet shows some minor signs of desk diving but maintains sharp edge geometry.
Value Estimate
$40,000 - $55,000 USD (Secondary Market); prices vary based on the presence of the original warranty card and box.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years; ensure crown and pushers are fully screwed in before any water contact; ultrasonic cleaning for the bracelet to prevent 'bracelet stretch' from grit.
Similar Watches
Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980; Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph; Rolex Daytona 116500LN (non-integrated).
Interesting Facts
The Royal Oak was originally designed overnight by Gérald Genta; the 26331ST reference introduced larger subdials at 3 and 9 specifically to improve legibility compared to predecessor 39mm models.