Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26300 Straps

MichaelC · 2015-02-20T07:54:08Z

Explore MichaelC's journey customizing his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26300. Discover strap options, sourcing challenges, and the perfect 'ROC Racer' look.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

27 replies11753 views11 photos

MichaelC, a seasoned collector, shares his journey of customizing his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26300. This article highlights the unique challenges and rewarding outcomes of personalizing a luxury sports watch, offering valuable insights for collectors considering strap changes on their own AP timepieces.

27 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

My entrance into high end watches started with a Panerai. When you have only one nice watch, and it is a Panerai, you learn early on about strap options, and all the wonderful combinations you can create.

With Audemars Piguet, it is a bit different. Firstly, AP always seems to supply the best possible match for each watch they sell. Second, changing a strap on an AP Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore is not quite as easy as a Panerai or other springbar attached strap. So you need to have the correct tools, steady hands, and a bit of nerve if you want to work on something like the End of Days, where one little slip could cause much anxiety.

When you have a bracelet model, perhaps you want to try a strap. As we have discussed, recently too, sourcing authentic AP parts required for this change is not always the easiest thing to do. Policies vary by region, and even in a single market, the rules change and evolve over time. Sometimes you can purchase something, sometimes not.

I started with the Royal Oak Chronograph reference 26300 and enjoyed it for a while on the supplied steel bracelet. I think all of the dimensions on this 39mm Royal oak are perfect, and that includes the sturdy bracelet. Definitely thicker and heavier than Jumbo owners are accustomed to, but it fits this robust watch wonderfully.

Despite the wonderful look provided by this watch right out of the box, I still saw some nice possibilities to match it with a strap. If you have never held an AP without a strap attached, it is a cool experience. I'm not sure we always realize how heavy these watches are until we handle the case alone.

My first attempt mounted the watch on the Royal Oak Chronograph Tour Auto edition strap. The perforations in the black leather definitely match well with this "panda" dial.

Serious on the wrist. Still, I could not help but wonder if some colored stitching would elevate it even higher.

I got sidetracked a bit when I was able to hunt down a strap I had always kept an eye on, the Royal Oak Chronograph City of Sails rubber strap. I'm not sure it is as rare as a unicorn or hen's teeth, but at the time I acquired it, the task was difficult.

The smooth black rubber is awesome on this watch. The strap itself is also more pliable than the same style rubber strap mounted on something like a rubberclad Offshore. Quite enjoyable, comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. A sports watch all the way now.

But that perforated leather was so unique, I had to place a custom order for my vision. And behold, the original "ROC Racer". This is it for me, the best combination of an AP Royal Oak Chronograph in steel.

Red is so commonplace on sports watches, and AP certainly has utilized the bold color frequently over the years. But for me, it is most effective as an accent, and to carry that accent across the entire piece is what makes this pairing so special.

Mmmm....

As always, any watch or strap or combination comes down to the feelings it evokes while on the wrist. The ROC Racer never disappointed.

I have really enjoyed these past few weeks and seeing all of the special Royal Oak Chronographs posted. This 26300 is not a limited edition, and while discontinued, it is still able to be found. With a little creativity and authentic AP parts, you can really take this model in a different direction.

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26300

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph reference 26300 represents the brand's chronograph offering within the Royal Oak collection. This 39mm model was produced from 2005 to 2012, featuring the blue dial configuration within the Chronograph series.

The 26300 utilizes a stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter, paired with a matching steel bracelet. The watch houses the automatic caliber 2385 movement, providing 40 hours of power reserve. Technical specifications include a fixed octagonal bezel, sapphire crystal, and 50-meter water resistance.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a mid-sized chronograph with automatic winding within the Royal Oak family. The blue dial variant offers color variation within the 26300 series, while the 39mm case size positions it as a versatile option in the chronograph lineup. The seven-year production run from 2005 to 2012 establishes its place in the brand's recent chronograph offerings.

Specifications

Caliber: 2385

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 39 mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The rubber strap design is particularly appealing, though natural materials are often preferred for a change. The ROC's layout, despite general preferences, is well-loved in this specific reference.
Sourcing authentic AP parts for strap conversion can be difficult, with boutiques sometimes refusing to sell necessary components, which can deter potential buyers.
The 'panda' dial of the 26300 is highly versatile, and while all strap combinations presented are attractive, the custom 'ROC Racer' with red stitching is considered the best match.
Custom straps with specific stitching can be ordered directly through regional Audemars Piguet Service Centers, offering a pathway for personalization.
Aftermarket straps for AP watches lack the quality and precise fit of OEM parts, potentially compromising the watch's fine attributes.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Tour Auto edition featured a white/silver dial with black subdials, a black outer minute ring, red hands, and came on an all-black perforated strap.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Feb 20, 2015

My favourite ROC, too.

I seriously thought about acquiring a 39 mm ROC. I asked the AP Boutique to sell me the needed parts for converting the ROC to a strap watch. They refused... So I did not buy the watch but two other chronographs. The other came today, the other early next week and I'm considering over the weekend to get a third. It's a pity that I can't buy the ROC. But you have a lovely watch there! Best, Kari

Feb 20, 2015

That's a nice one, for sure!

I can't believe I had two of those pass through my hands. I'd love to have one back. M4

MichaelC

Feb 26, 2015

You and me both M4

One of AP's great dials, IMO.

amanico

Feb 20, 2015

THE Royal Oak Paul Newman! Very cool with this perforated leather racing strap.

MichaelC

Feb 26, 2015