When Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, it reshaped perceptions of the luxury sports watch. Gérald Genta’s design, with its octagonal bezel, exposed screws and integrated bracelet, gave stainless steel a prominent place within haute horlogerie. The interplay of brushed surfaces and polished bevels became one of the collection’s defining features.

Introduced in 1997, the Royal Oak Chronograph added chronograph functionality to this established design. Reference 26331 followed in 2017, marking the chronograph model’s 20th anniversary. Its 41 mm stainless steel case retained the distinctive Royal Oak proportions, while the dial received a revised layout with enlarged chronograph counters at three and nine o’clock.

Reference 26331ST.OO.1220ST.01 is distinguished by its blue “Grande Tapisserie” dial and contrasting silver-toned counters, a combination sometimes referred to as “Blue Panda”. It is powered by the automatic calibre 2385, offering chronograph and date functions with approximately 40 hours of power reserve. The integrated steel bracelet continues the alternating brushed and polished finishes of the case.

The present example is accompanied by its certificate, presentation box and outer box.