Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm - Ref. 26022BA

For sale is a spectacular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26022BA in solid 18k yellow gold, featuring a white Grande Tapisserie dial. Paired with a brown Audemars Piguet leather strap and an 18k yellow gold AP deployant clasp, this reference combines the Royal Oak’s distinctive design with the warmth of yellow gold and classic 39mm proportions.

The Dial
The white dial features Audemars Piguet’s signature Grande Tapisserie pattern, providing a beautifully textured backdrop to the applied yellow gold hour markers and matching luminous hands. Three recessed subdials feature fine concentric detailing, gold surrounds and contrasting black hands, displaying the chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 6 and chronograph hours at 9. An applied gold AP logo sits at 12 o’clock, while the date window is neatly positioned between 4 and 5. The black printing and outer minute track keep the dial clear and legible, balancing its intricate detailing.

The Case
Crafted from solid 18k yellow gold, the 39mm case offers what we consider ideal Royal Oak proportions, with enough presence to showcase the design while remaining well balanced on the wrist. The signature octagonal bezel features eight exposed hexagonal screws, with brushed surfaces and polished bevels highlighting its angular shape. These contrasting finishes continue across the case and strap attachments. An AP-signed screw-down crown sits between the chronograph pushers, while the solid gold caseback bears the Royal Oak engraving.

The Strap
The watch is fitted with a brown Audemars Piguet leather strap featuring a pronounced alligator grain and matching brown stitching. Its rich colour complements the yellow gold case and white dial beautifully, giving the watch a slightly dressier character. It is secured by an 18k yellow gold deployant clasp, with the AP initials incorporated into the folding mechanism itself, a particularly attractive detail of this design.

The Movement
Powering the watch is the Audemars Piguet Calibre 2385, a self-winding chronograph movement featuring a column-wheel mechanism and approximately 40 hours of power reserve. It provides central hours and minutes, running seconds, a date display and a chronograph capable of recording elapsed times of up to 12 hours.

Included with the watch:
- Original Box: Yes
- Original Papers: No

Technical Data:
- Model: 26022BA
- Year: Unknown
- Case material: 18k Yellow Gold
- Case diameter: 39mm
- Bracelet: Audemars Strap
- Bracelet material: Leather
- Dial: White
- Crystal: Sapphire