For me (and probably for many other people), the Royal Oak is the most iconic model from Audemars Piguet, and the reasons for this are countless. Beginning its journey in the 70s, thanks to the deft touch of Gérald Genta, this series has undergone numerous iterations, but a few things have never changed – the octagonal case, the "waffle" dial, the design of the lugs, etc., etc.
In 2005, the Brand decided to respond to the modern trend for enlarged cases and launched the new series of 42-millimeter chronographs, which also received what have become cult nicknames – Panda, Safari, Navy, Silver Themes, and Black Themes.
In 2011, following the trend for larger cases and sizes, the brand presented the AP ROO 26400 at SIHH. This model automatically became highly sought-after by all admirers of the brand and allowed the manufacturer to permanently establish this case in its assortment, where it remains to this day. Unlike the 42-millimeter version, this watch is not offered in a wide variety of models and dial types, and the one presented today is the most recognizable with a white dial and black subdials. 1 year later, in 2012, the model presented today also appeared – the main difference is that the case is made of 950 platinum, and the dial is blue with white subdials.
As most of you probably know, in the first versions of its Offshore chronographs, AP used the 2226/2840 caliber; this was the case up to and including 2007, when this cult movement was replaced by the new in-house 3126/3840 – a modular chronograph based on the 3120 with a Dubois Depraz chronograph module – operating at the usual AP frequency of 21,600 vibrations, with 365 parts, 59 jewels, over 60 hours of power reserve, and the balance is partially skeletonized, lending an extra dose of aristocracy to the movement.
