Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26320OR Luxury Watch Review

Rose Gold AP 26320OR Royal Oak Chrono Hands-On Review
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The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph offers a solution for those who like the muscle of the Royal Oak Offshore but prefer a package that retains the essential proportions of Gerald Genta’s seminal 1972 Royal Oak. With a 41mm 18-karat rose gold case, an automatic chronograph, and a profile that would make Genta himself proud, the Royal Oak Chronograph is a “just right” blend of AP’s “Royal Oak” and “Offshore.”
While the original Royal Oak preceded the 1993 Offshore by over two decades, the Offshore itself debuted several years ahead of the Royal Oak Chronograph. Not launched until 1997, the Royal Oak Chronograph filled a final gap in Audemars Piguet’s sports watch line; a more imposing Royal Oak complication for those who didn’t quite feel the urge to “Go Offshore.”
As of 2012, the reference 26320OR sees the Royal Oak Chronograph follow the 15400ST’s adoption of a 41mm case. In fact, the standard Royal Oak and Royal Oak Chronograph are almost indistinguishable with one’s eyes closed. The 15400ST measures 9.8 mm thick; the Chronograph is only 10.8mm thick. Standard Royal Oak bracelet, clasp, and lug dimensions do not change on the Royal Oak Chronograph, and the famous Genta octagonal bezel retains its white gold bolts (the Offshore employs steel).
A stunning silver Audemars Piguet “waffle” or “hobnail” black dial exhibits the “grand tapisserie” cut pattern that is reserved for the traditional Royal Oak models. Produced in-house since 2012, these intricately cut dials are mesmerizing to examine under a loupe, and each one is created on an anachronistic “pantograph” engine that wouldn’t look out of place in the original 1875 workshop of Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet.
Frederic Piguet provides the mechanical foundation upon which Audemars Piguet lavishes its legendary movement finish. As the longtime movement powerhouse behind Blancpain complications, Vacheron Constantin's Overseas Chronograph, and AP's 1997-present Royal Oak Chronographs, F. Piguet is an haut-de-gamme engineering house to the elite of Swiss high horology.
Audemars Piguet’s vertical clutch (smooth engagement) and column wheel (crisp pusher feel) caliber 2385 is based on F. Piguet's vaunted cal. 1180 series of integrated automatic movements. Considered to rank among the greatest chronograph movements of the late 20th century and often cited as the inspiration for Rolex's industry-benchmark Daytona cal. 4130, the Piguet chronograph is a perfect horse to draw AP’s legendary “coach.”
Video and content by Tim Mosso.

[@WuManGroup]

What a salesman. I get a smile on my face every time I hear this guy talk about a watch.

[@karltangri6926]

Hey Tim, i really liked your video as it gives a detailed info on the watch. I do own a rolex submariner 2015 two tone blue dial and I now own also an Ap royal oak offshore chronograph Ref# 26470ST.OO.A104CR.01. Im now going to buy the Ap royal oak chronograph Ref# 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01. Which is exactly the same like the watch you've reviewed but only has a black dial. Keep up the good work , much appreciated . Cheers!

[@rashad123us]

Such a beautiful chronograph.

[@Nias_Franklin]

Your "Fort Knox on your wrist" comment sold me! 😂😎 Great job on presentation!

[@175139]

Such a stunning piece. A great review as well, Tim.

[@logwind]

I really enjoy these videos not only for your wonderful commentary, but because you have EXACTLY the same wrist in both size and shape as I do. If I want to know how a certain watch will look on me, all I have to do is hope watchuwant has a review of it. Keep up the good work!

[@polievets1]

This my ultimate watch to buy ! WOW Great review

[@the1916company]

Nick Pol Hi Nick, thank you! A full rose gold Royal Oak is a special watch. Regardless of personal taste, the quality and spectacle of it is an experience in itself. Considering the amount of hand-finishing required to attain this effect, it's almost like a private art viewing. Best, Tim

[@supreme_sergio7742]

Love the video! just bought this watch, the price has increased significantly!

[@MattH-wg7ou]

This exact reference would be my choice of all the Royal Oak or even Nautilus choices.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

What a piece! This exact reference is one of my all time favorites. But isnt "chamfer" pronounced "chaam-fir" not "kam-fir"?

[@AyWunHunnit]

one day i will own this watch

[@kingjunior9486]

Hey how well do you think this watch will hold value in the future especially since the white and black dials are now 'legacy' models and are now discontinued..?

[@homes2525]

Hi Tim What a fantastic piece! I can't find the pictures on the website, are they up as yet?

[@the1916company]

homes2525 Hi homes, sorry about the trouble with the listing. This watch sold within moments of posting to our site, but here's the link to the high-res photos and the original listing: www.watchuwant.com/watches/audemars-piguet-ap-royal-oak-039jumbo039-chronograph-automatic-41mm-18k-rose-gold-ref-26320o Best, Tim

[@user-wb1vm9ex4k]

My watch😍

[@HydroZxZInferno]

Great review as always

[@the1916company]

HydroZxZInferno Thank you, I really appreciate your support of our channel. Having a regular group of contributors helps to build the sense of (KZbin) community, and I enjoy the feedback! I have some more AP content coming this week, and a very cool HYT hydro-mechanical marvel that just arrived from Switzerland... Best, Tim

[@HydroZxZInferno]

Thanks Tim, can't wait to see these things!

[@the1916company]

You got it! Best, Tim

[@Pendragonthegreat]

is this yellowgold or rose gold?

[@the1916company]

Hi! This is Rose Gold. Check out a newer review of the same reference (with a different dial) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2kg6yDeN6jfa8

[@lavontaejohnson2217]

price?

[@llarahpido2383]

I have that kind of watch. It's kinda old and it was already dead. . 😭😭

[@CypressKennethKen15]

price?/

[@the1916company]

+Kenneth Cypress Hi Kenneth, we've sold this one, but they're about $54,000 USD new, and $42-46,000 pre-owned. Best, Tim

[@ThisIzAn2]

I got the same watch

[@psidhu1979]

Hey mate whats the exact weight (or rough idea)

[@psidhu1979]

+Melvin the Hacker full points for the answer

[@amirjon]

10.8mm thick? I thought it was10.

[@JuggorDie]

I’m only 20 years old with one of these . Anyone can do it

[@malthus101]

"artisanal virtuosity" lol

[@romangrom6853]

This is a statement watch to wear in a rich boys party. This watch has no practical usage near any pool or ocean.

[@JuggorDie]

I’m only 20 years old with one of these . Anyone can do it