Audemars Piguet 26343CE.OO.1247CE.01 Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked
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The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in Black Ceramic: A Statement of Modern Haute Horlogerie
In the pantheon of luxury sports watches, few models command immediate recognition like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This particular reference, the 26591CE.OO.D002CA.02, takes that iconic legacy and propels it into the future. Crafted entirely from high-tech black ceramic, this Royal Oak Chronograph is more than a timepiece; it’s a bold declaration of technical prowess and avant-garde design. It embodies a stealthy, powerful aesthetic that is both unmistakably Royal Oak and resolutely contemporary.
Uncompromising Materials: The Essence of a Modern Icon
The soul of this watch is its forged black ceramic case and bracelet. Far beyond a simple coating, ceramic is prized in haute horlogerie for its exceptional properties. It is significantly lighter than steel yet boasts superior scratch resistance, maintaining its flawless, jet-black finish for a lifetime. The 41mm case retains the Royal Oak’s distinctive octagonal bezel, secured by the legendary eight hexagonal white gold screws, but here it is rendered with a contemporary, monochromatic edge. Paired with a fitted black rubber strap, it offers a striking contrast in texture while ensuring ultimate comfort and durability for daily wear.
A Dial of Depth and Legibility: The Black “Grande Tapisserie”
The magic continues on the dial. The deep black “Grande Tapisserie” guilloché pattern is a signature of the Royal Oak, catching the light with a subtle, three-dimensional effect. Applied white gold hour markers and Royal Oak hands are filled with luminescent coating, providing perfect legibility against the dark background. The chronograph function is elegantly integrated with black counters at 3 and 9 o’clock and a running seconds at 6 o’clock, preserving the dial’s balanced symmetry. This is a display of controlled complexity, where every detail serves both form and function.
Engineered Performance: The Beating Heart Within
Powering this technical marvel is the self-winding Calibre 2385, a proven and reliable chronograph movement based on a revered Frederic Piguet design. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, the movement is meticulously finished with traditional haute horlogerie decorations: Côtes de Genève, circular graining, and gold rotor. It offers hours, minutes, small seconds, and flyback chronograph functionality with 40 hours of power reserve—a masterpiece of mechanics housed within a masterpiece of materials.
Why This Royal Oak Chronograph is a Compelling Investment
This black ceramic Royal Oak represents a pivotal chapter in Audemars Piguet’s history. It appeals to the connoisseur who appreciates the fusion of iconic design with cutting-edge material science. Its stealthy aesthetic is versatile, transitioning seamlessly from casual wear to the most formal settings with undeniable presence. As a sought-after reference in a highly durable material, it stands as a resilient and distinguished choice for the discerning collector seeking a modern symbol of horological excellence.
| Brand: | Audemars Piguet |
|---|---|
| Model: | Royal Oak |
| Reference Number: | 26591CE.OO.D002CA.02 |
| CASE | Case Diameter: 42 mm |
| DIAL | Dial Material: Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, 13 baguette-cut diamond hour-markers and white gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating |
| BRACELET | Band Material Black rubber strap |
| CALIBRE | Mechanism: Hand-Wound |
