Editorial
The 26240 is the 50th anniversary Royal Oak Chronograph, launched in 2022 to mark half a century of the integrated bracelet sports watch. It brings the fully in-house calibre 4401 flyback movement into the Royal Oak case for the first time, replacing the outsourced column-wheel chronograph that powered the previous 26320. Collectors care because the 4401 finally gives the chronograph Royal Oak movement credibility to match its case.
Audemars Piguet introduced the 26240 in 2022 at the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary, succeeding the 26320 that had run since 2012. The 26320 used the calibre 2385, which incorporated a Frederic Piguet base and drew criticism from movement-focused collectors. The 26240 addresses that directly with the calibre 4401, a fully in-house integrated flyback chronograph beating at 4 Hz with a 70-hour power reserve.
Initial references arrived in slate grey (26240ST.OO.1320ST.02) and blue (26240ST.OO.1320ST.04), both on integrated steel bracelets. The 41mm case diameter matches the current Royal Oak Selfwinding rather than the more compact dimensions of vintage chronograph Royal Oaks.
The bracelet on the 26240 uses the updated integrated clasp introduced across the modern Royal Oak line; confirm the clasp functions smoothly and that the bracelet links show no excessive stretch or play before buying pre-owned. Dial condition is critical on the slate grey references because fingerprints and micro-scratches read harshly under light; inspect under magnification. The pushers on flyback chronographs take more abuse than on standard chronographs, so verify both operate cleanly and reset crisply.
Because the 26240 is still in production, grey-market pricing is volatile and can move faster than the secondary market adjusts; cross-reference at least three recent sold listings before committing. Verify the reference suffix carefully: the .02 is slate grey and the .04 is blue, and they trade at different levels depending on current demand.
