Audemars Piguet is pleased to unveil a new evolution of the Royal Oak Chronograph. Housed within a 41mm 18K pink gold case, this model is equipped for the first time with the latest generation in-house chronograph movement, the automatic Calibre 4401, visible through the watch’s sapphire case back. Two dial options are available, executed in blue or brown hues.

Calibre 4401, launched in 2019 within the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, appears in the Royal Oak collection. This movement features a column wheel and the flyback function that enables to restart of the chronograph without stopping or resetting it first. The column wheel works in collaboration with a vertical clutch system. When the chronograph is started or stopped, the hands respond accordingly without any hint of jumping. Furthermore, the push-pieces feel smoother when pressed. A patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that each one of the counter hands instantaneously resets to zero.

For the first time, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph has been fitted with a sapphire case back, affording sight of the integrated chronograph’s column wheel and the so-called “dance” of the chronograph hammers. Moreover, the wearer is granted views of the 22K pink gold oscillating weight and refined finishing, including Côtes de Genève, circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers throughout. The movement provides a power reserve of 70 hours when fully wound. The case, which has been modified to accommodate the new movement, now has a slightly thicker height of 12.4 mm.

The dial features a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern and pairs blue or brown hues with pink gold-toned counters, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. The Manufacture has subtly updated the dial design. The positions of the minute counter and hour counter have been reversed, augmenting readability, while the date disc is located closer to the inner bezel. The model is available with a matching 18K pink gold bracelet or a colour-coordinated alligator strap.

The corresponding references are reference 26239OR.OO.1220OR.01 for the blue dial on a bracelet, reference 26239OR.OO.1220OR.02 for the brown dial on a bracelet, reference 26239OR.OO.D315CR.01 for the blue dial on a strap, and reference 26239OR.OO.D821CR.01 for the brown dial on a strap.

This release marks the beginning of the new generation of Royal Oak Chronographs equipped with an in-house movement.

Sticker Price $45,800 USD on strap and $66,300 USD on bracelet. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.