Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Collection

pessoa00 · 2026-06-12T21:59:55Z

Pessoa00 s journey back to Audemars Piguet, reflecting on Royal Oak ownership, market challenges, and a new collecting strategy. Insights on AP vs Patek pricing.

pessoa00

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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Pessoa00 shares a deeply personal journey back to Audemars Piguet, reflecting on past experiences with a Royal Oak Chronograph and the evolving landscape of high horology collecting. His post details the financial and strategic considerations that led him to re-engage with AP, offering a candid look at the challenges and renewed excitement of building a collection in today's market.

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A 39 RO Chrono was my 1st high horology watch some 20 years ago. I used it daily for about 2 years but at some point got frustrated for so many scratches that sold it and went to other brands. In my collecting journey I still had a couple of offshores but, for different reasons, non lasted long.

In the meantime AP changed its sales strategy, which left my country without representation leaving the brand away from my radar for a long time.

Lately I began feeling that my collection journey was about to end (or at least slow considerably) because as it matures it starts getting harder and harder to reach to pieces that add some value mostly because of the crazy prices some watches have reached and also because the “game” of buying something less hyped to be able to get something more hyped is getting out of control. As an example, in Patek, Calatravas are mostly above 40k and the few complications I like are all above 60k, some above 100k. Even though I have a good relation with the local boutique, to get a 5726/1a I would need to buy a perpetual which would turn the total cost upwards of 180k. These are numbers that to my reality stop making much sense.

Last week I received an invitation to an event in Barcelona and with the above in mind I though it could be interesting to start a whole new watch collection (keeping the one I have) based solely on AP. I could certainly think of a dozen models, most priced below 40k (some even below 30k, while in Patek you basically have 1 single option in that price range which is very hard to get) including ROOs and Codes that I would like.

As such I booked a visit to the boutique and went there today. I felt very welcomed and both the boutique manager and SA were extremely nice.

I tried some Codes and Offshores and discussed the “journey” with the SA, explaining where I am in my collection and that would be bring some new excitement to start a completely new collection with AP.

I spoke about 2 milestones, the Jumbo and the DB open work and discussed with her what would be the best path to the jumbo, considering only watches I really like and would want to keep.

She was very open with the need to have a diverse purchase path (so no collecting all the colours of the 41 RO, which seems reasonable) to reach for the jumbo and after going together through the catalog we agreed with a very nice selection of watches. I don’t want to reveal here what that selection will be, as we never know what to expect from the future, but here is the 1st step of that path and I couldn’t be happier!

Watch by Audemars Piguet, 26331ST, Royal Oak, Royal Oak Chronograph

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26331ST

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph reference 26331ST was introduced in 2017 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak Chronograph line. This reference updated the previous 26300ST and 26320ST models, bringing subtle but significant design refinements to the dial, including enlarged chronograph registers and a redesigned minute track. It represents a key evolution in the chronograph sub-collection, maintaining the established aesthetic while enhancing legibility and balance. This particular reference was available in several dial configurations, catering to diverse collector preferences.

This chronograph features a 41mm stainless steel case with the characteristic octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. The watch is powered by the self-winding Caliber 2385, a column-wheel chronograph movement. It is fitted with a glareproofed sapphire crystal and a screw-locked crown, ensuring a water resistance suitable for daily wear. The integrated stainless steel bracelet is a hallmark of the Royal Oak design, providing both comfort and a cohesive aesthetic.

For collectors, the 26331ST is notable for its refined dial aesthetics and its position as the last iteration of the 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph to use the Caliber 2385 before the introduction of the in-house Caliber 4401 in later models. Its production run saw various dial colors, making certain combinations more sought after than others. This reference appeals to those who appreciate the classic Royal Oak design combined with the added functionality of a chronograph, representing a significant chapter in the model's history.

Specifications

Caliber: 2385

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 41 mm

Dial: Blue, Black, Silver, White

Water Resist.: 50 m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The author's initial experience with a 39mm Royal Oak Chronograph was marred by its susceptibility to scratches, leading him to explore other brands.
Audemars Piguet's changing sales strategy, including a lack of local representation, impacted the author's engagement with the brand for an extended period.
The current market for high horology watches, particularly brands like Patek Philippe, presents significant challenges due to escalating prices and the 'game' of acquiring less hyped pieces to access more desirable ones.
Compared to Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet offers a wider range of desirable models, including Royal Oak Offshores and Codes, priced below 40k, making it a more accessible brand for building a diverse collection.
A positive and welcoming experience at an AP boutique, coupled with a diverse range of models, reignited the author's interest in starting a new AP-focused collection.

The Discussion

amanico

Jun 12, 2026

Very cool first step. Bravo!

AuHavrePro

Jun 12, 2026

Fantastic. I really enjoyed the back story and how you arrived at your present decision.

Bravo! Enjoy it thoroughly, and I look forward to reading the following chapters of your reborn AP trajectory.... Cheers, Filip

MichaelC

Jun 12, 2026

Good to have you back with AP!

the 39mm Royal Oak Chronograph remains one of my favorite references. I'm sorry it did not work out for you. I hope this one proves more scratch-resistant for you!

Larrykelley11

Jun 13, 2026

Totally awesome choice! Well done!

pfang56

Jun 14, 2026

Super nice!

Great restart into AP. Enjoy and have a good weekend Peter