Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronographe Vert 50 Ans

There are watches that mark a milestone in time without raising their voice. This Royal Oak Chronograph “50th Anniversary,” reference 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04, is precisely one of them. Designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, it blends bold chromatic choices, technical evolution, and quiet refinement.

The 41 mm stainless steel case retains the codes of the original 1972 design, but in a subtly modernised form. Compared to its predecessors, the proportions are more refined, the case flanks sharper, and the satin-polished transitions even more precise. The restrained 12.4 mm thickness pays tribute to the streamlined silhouette of the original Royal Oak. The octagonal bezel, secured by eight white gold screws and nuts, frames one of the most distinctive dials in the collection, a deep khaki green, textured with the signature “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, whose hue shifts from olive to forest green depending on the light. This dial, both contemporary and organic, features three tone-on-tone counters, white gold hour markers, and the iconic Royal Oak hands. Everything is present, but with restraint. The result is neither flashy nor nostalgic, simply right.

Inside lies the most significant evolution. For the first time, a Royal Oak chronograph is powered by the in-house calibre 4401, fully developed and integrated by Audemars Piguet. This flyback automatic movement, equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch, marks a major technical milestone for the manufacture. It delivers smooth activation, high precision, and a 70-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire caseback, it is fitted with a specially engraved “50 years” rotor created exclusively for this anniversary edition.

Another subtle but defining change lies in the new integrated steel bracelet, here in its 1320ST version. The finer links and more gradual taper visually lighten the watch and enhance comfort on the wrist. The slimmer folding clasp also offers a more discreet fit. The result is a transformed wearing experience, smoother, more contemporary, yet always faithful to the original spirit.

Finally, it is the rarity of this reference that elevates it further. Produced exclusively in 2022 for the 50th anniversary, this is the only Royal Oak Chronograph 26240ST with a green dial to be manufactured for a single year. That makes it the rarest of all steel variants of this model.

Offered here in excellent condition, this 2022 Royal Oak Chronograph is accompanied by its complete original set. It is one of the most sought-after configurations from the anniversary series, a rare dial, a milestone movement, and a redesigned bracelet that signals the quiet evolution of an icon.