Audemars Piguet presents a sparkling new 41mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph in 18-carat white gold and adorned with a bezel paved with baguette-cut blue sapphires. The Royal Oak Blue Dial watch incorporates the new design evolution that was introduced in 2022.

The dial incorporates a Grande Tapisserie pattern, dressed in blue and endued with contrasting light blue counters. An aperture, positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, reveals the date in white numerals atop a blue disc, matching the dominant dial hue. The case, bezel and bracelet in 18-carat white gold encompass both polished and satin-brushed surfaces.

Design Enhancements

Since its initial unveiling in 1972, the Royal Oak has become a byword for accomplished design with its distinctive octagonal bezel, punctuated with eight hexagonal screws and integrated bracelet. In 2022, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the Manufacture made subtle design changes to some of the models in 34, 37, 38 and 41 mm, retaining the original watch’s distinguishing looks while augmenting its allure.

The bevels gracing the top and underside of the case were enlarged in order to enhance the play of light and imbue the case with a slender profile. The caseback and case middle were redesigned, improving the way the components integrate with one another for a more comfortable wrist fit.

Upgraded Bracelet

The bracelet of new white gold Royal Oak Blue Dial watch benefits from aesthetic and ergonomic upgrades. The first four links transitioned from being parallel to trapezoidal in shape, bestowing a more tapered, elegant look. By slightly reducing the thickness of the links, the bracelet is now lighter, once again proffering ergonomic advancement.

Audemars Piguet Calibre 4401

At the heart of this new Royal Oak Blue Dial model is the Manufacture’s latest generation chronograph movement, the self-winding Calibre 4401. It is fully integrated and features a column wheel and a flyback function.

The movement is adorned with refined finishing, including Côtes de Genève, circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers, all of which are visible via the sapphire caseback.

Technical details

Model: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm
Reference 26240BC.SS.1320BC.01

Case
18-carat white gold case
Case diameter: 41mm
Case thickness: 12.4 mm
18-carat white gold bezel set with 32 baguette-cut blue sapphires (~3.32 carats)
Glare-proofed sapphire crystal and caseback
Screw-locked crown
Water-resistant to 50m

Dial
Blue dial with Grand Tapisserie pattern, light blue counters, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.

Movement
Selfwinding Calibre 4401
Total diameter: 32 mm (14lignes)
Total thickness: 6.8 mm
Number of parts: 381
Number of jewels: 40
Minimum power reserve guaranteed: 70 h
Frequency of balance wheel: 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)

Functions
Flyback chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds and date

Bracelet
18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp