Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm - Ref. 26022BA

For sale is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26022BA in solid 18k yellow gold, featuring a white Grande Tapisserie dial. Paired with a navy crocodile leather strap that gradually transitions into deep green tones, 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 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 positioned between 4 and 5. Black printing and an outer minute track complete the balanced layout.

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 navy Audemars Piguet crocodile leather strap featuring a pronounced grain and tonal stitching. The leather has a natural ombré effect, with deep navy gradually blending into rich green tones towards the opposite end. This subtle variation gives the strap character and complements the yellow gold case beautifully. 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: No
- 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