Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak 26240OR Anniversary - The Second Hand Club

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Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak 26240OR Anniversary

Name: Royal Oak 26240OR Anniversary
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Price: 59061.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Price Upon Request

At The Second Hand Club, we are proud to present a historically significant example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26240OR.OO.D002CR.02 in 18k rose gold, produced in 2022 as part of the Royal Oak's 50th Anniversary collection.

This 41 mm flyback chronograph features the black "Grande Tapisserie" dial on a hand-stitched leather strap, and carries the special commemorative "50" rotor visible through the sapphire caseback, a detail exclusive to the anniversary production run that distinguishes these early 26240 examples from all subsequent pieces.

Powered by the Calibre 4401, Audemars Piguet's first fully in-house integrated flyback chronograph movement with 70 hours of power reserve, this reference marks a turning point in the Royal Oak Chronograph's mechanical lineage.

The combination of the anniversary rotor, the inaugural Cal. 4401, and the warmth of rose gold on leather makes this a watch that sits at the intersection of two milestones: fifty years of the Royal Oak design and the beginning of complete manufacture independence for the chronograph complication. For collectors who value provenance and first-year significance, this is one of the most compelling 26240 variants to acquire.

Movement	Self Winding
Calibre	Calibre 4401
Dial	Black Tapisserie
Case size	41mm
Material	Rose Gold
Bracelet	Leather
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Excellent
Box & Papers	Complete Set from 2022

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About the brand

About the watch

24 month warranty

Delivery & returns

About the brand

Audemars Piguet reached its 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2022 from a position of extraordinary strength. The manufacture, founded in Le Brassus in 1875 and still family-owned after nearly 150 years, had spent the preceding decade navigating a remarkable transformation: from a brand respected primarily by connoisseurs to one whose flagship design commanded global recognition and waitlists measured in years. That the Royal Oak achieved this without abandoning its fundamental identity, the octagonal bezel, the integrated construction, the alternating surface finishes, speaks to the durability of Genta's original concept and to the manufacture's discipline in evolving it without diluting it.

The decision to mark the 50th anniversary with a new-generation chronograph movement rather than a cosmetic special edition was telling. Audemars Piguet could have simply reissued the existing chronograph with anniversary engravings and a commemorative box. Instead, they chose to invest in the Cal. 4401, a ground-up integrated flyback chronograph that addressed the one persistent gap in the Royal Oak's mechanical credibility: the reliance on external movement architecture for its most popular complication. The "50" rotor on the anniversary examples was the celebratory gesture; the movement itself was the substance behind it.

This is characteristic of how Audemars Piguet operates at its best. The brand has always balanced commercial awareness with genuine mechanical ambition, and the 26240 generation embodies that balance. For collectors, owning a 2022 anniversary 26240OR in rose gold means holding a watch from the precise moment when the Royal Oak Chronograph became, for the first time, a fully Le Brassus creation. That convergence of historical milestone and technical milestone in a single reference is rare, and it is the kind of provenance that appreciates in significance with time.

About the watch

The year 2022 was not an ordinary one for Audemars Piguet. It marked half a century since Gérald Genta's sketch became the most influential luxury sports watch ever produced, and the manufacture chose to celebrate with a series of releases that looked forward rather than back. Chief among them was the Ref. 26240, the new-generation Royal Oak Chronograph, and it arrived carrying two significant firsts: the Cal. 4401, an entirely in-house integrated flyback chronograph movement, and for the anniversary production year, a special oscillating weight engraved with "50" to commemorate the occasion. This 26240OR in rose gold on leather strap, produced during that inaugural year, carries that rotor. It is, in every meaningful sense, a first-edition piece.

The 41 mm rose gold case follows the Royal Oak's established architectural language but with proportions subtly recalibrated for the 26240 generation. At 12.4 mm thick, the chronograph maintains a profile that feels lean for its complication level. The interplay between brushed and polished surfaces on the case flanks, the bezel, and the lugs remains one of the most demanding finishing exercises in production watchmaking; each transition must be razor-sharp, with no bleed between the two surface treatments. In rose gold, these transitions catch light with a warmth that stainless steel cannot replicate. The octagonal bezel with its eight exposed hexagonal screws, polished to contrast against the satin-finished top surface, frames the dial with the geometric precision that has defined the Royal Oak since 1972.

The black "Grande Tapisserie" dial is among the most universally admired dial treatments in modern watchmaking, and for good reason. The grid of small, precisely machined raised squares creates a texture that is constantly in motion as light moves across it, shifting between matte and reflective depending on the angle. Against this dark surface, the applied rose gold hour markers and hands have excellent presence, and the chronograph registers at six o'clock (small seconds) and nine o'clock (30-minute totalizer) sit in subtly recessed sub-dials with a fine circular graining that distinguishes them from the main dial plane. The date aperture at four-thirty follows the Royal Oak's long-established convention. On the leather strap, the overall character of the watch shifts perceptibly away from the sporty bracelet-mounted versions, taking on a more refined, versatile tone that works across a wider range of settings.

The Cal. 4401 is the mechanical heart of the story, and its significance should not be understated. For decades, the Royal Oak Chronograph relied on the Cal. 2385, derived from the Frédéric Piguet 1185. It was a respected movement, thin and proven, but it was not Audemars Piguet's own design. The 4401 changed that entirely. It is a fully integrated flyback chronograph, meaning the chronograph mechanism is woven into the movement's base architecture rather than added as a separate module. The flyback function allows the wearer to reset and restart elapsed time measurement with a single push of the four o'clock pusher, without needing to stop the chronograph first. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour with 70 hours of power reserve, and through the sapphire caseback, the column wheel, the vertical clutch mechanism, and the movement finishing, Côtes de Genève on the bridges, bevelled edges, blued screws, are all on display. On anniversary examples from 2022, the 22k gold oscillating weight carries the engraved "50" marking, a visual confirmation of the watch's place in the commemorative production run. Once the anniversary year ended, subsequent 26240 production reverted to the standard AP-monogrammed rotor, making the "50" rotor a detail that cannot be replicated or added after the fact.

From a collector's perspective, anniversary-year Royal Oaks have consistently held a particular appeal. They represent defined, finite production windows tied to a specific moment in the brand's history. The 2022 26240OR with the "50" rotor sits in that lineage: a first-year example of a mechanically significant new reference, carrying a commemorative detail that will become increasingly sought after as the years pass. It is both a watch for daily enjoyment and a piece of the Royal Oak's documented history.

At The Second Hand Club, we are committed advocates for the exceptional quality of our curated selection of pre-owned timepieces and mechanical objects. In the event of an unexpected issue, we remain committed to addressing it promptly and effectively. Our client's trust and satisfaction are paramount to our entire team.

Each pre-owned watch in our collection has been meticulously examined using non-intrusive methods to confirm their mechanical integrity. Where necessary, servicing has been performed to guarantee they align with our highest standards for timekeeping precision and functional performance.

Unless explicitly indicated, our pre-owned watches are protected by either a comprehensive or a limited warranty for a period of twenty-four months. However, this warranty does not cover damages resulting from accidents or misuse. Given their vintage status, pre-owned watches may not withstand the same conditions as brand new models.

We have a no refund policy, which means that all sales are final.

In some rare cases, we will accept a return awarding you with a store credit making you eligible to choose a different watch from our inventory using your initial payment amount towards the new timepiece.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at contact@thesecondhandclub.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at contact@thesecondhandclub.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Refunds
All sales are final. We do not issue refunds.

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Expertise in High-End Pieces: With an average price point of $85,000, we are well-versed in dealing with high-end luxury watches. Our experience extends to timepieces that reach seven figures, demonstrating our ability to handle the most exclusive and valuable pieces with the utmost care and professionalism.
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Maximize Your Returns: Consigning your watch with The Second Hand Club allows you to unlock the full potential value of your timepiece. By reaching a wider audience and benefiting from our expertise in marketing luxury watches, you increase the likelihood of receiving higher offers than with a straight sale. With the funds generated from the consignment, you can explore new watch acquisitions or opt for an instant payment once the sale is concluded.

When you choose The Second Hand Club's consignment program, you gain access to our global network, unparalleled expertise, and a streamlined process designed to deliver exceptional results. Entrust your luxury timepiece to us and let our dedicated team work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum value for your watch, all while enjoying a hassle-free and rewarding consignment experience.

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Do you provide warranty on your watches?

At The Second Hand Club, we are committed advocates for the exceptional quality of our curated selection of pre-owned timepieces and mechanical objects. In the event of an unexpected issue, we remain committed to addressing it promptly and effectively. Our client's trust and satisfaction are paramount to our entire team.

Each pre-owned watch in our collection has been meticulously examined using non-intrusive methods to confirm their mechanical integrity. Where necessary, servicing has been performed to guarantee they align with our highest standards for timekeeping precision and functional performance.

Unless explicitly indicated, our pre-owned watches are protected by either a comprehensive or a limited warranty for a period of twenty-four months. However, this warranty does not cover damages resulting from accidents or misuse. Given their vintage status, pre-owned watches may not withstand the same conditions as brand new models.

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At The Second Hand Club, We have a No Return & Refund Policy ("Policy") that applies to all purchases made through The Second Hand Club and outlines our obligations and procedures concerning returns and refunds.

Final Sales: All sales concluded through The Second Hand Club are final. Once a purchase is made, we do not accept returns or issue refunds.
Change of Mind: In the event you have a change of heart post-purchase, The Second Hand Club offers a unique service to accommodate you. We are pleased to accept the timepiece back and undertake the task of selling the item on your behalf at no cost. This process is subject to a binding agreement to be entered into between The Second Hand Club and the client.
After-Sale Return of Funds: Once the watch has been sold, the entirety of the sale amount will be returned to you. The amount will be remitted to the original method of payment within a reasonable timeframe following the successful completion of the sale.
Customer Obligations: It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the watch is returned in the same condition as it was sold. Any degradation in the quality or condition of the watch may affect its sale value, for which The Second Hand Club will not be held responsible.
Contact: For more information or to initiate this process, please contact our customer service at contact@thesecondhandclub.com or +1 (754)-333-7667.

Please note that this Policy represents the entire agreement between you and The Second Hand Club regarding returns and refunds. By purchasing a timepiece from The Second Hand Club, you acknowledge and agree to this Policy in its entirety.

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