AP Royal Oak Chronograph "50th Anniversary" 41mm Stainless Steel Khaki Green Dial 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most consequential watch designs in horological history. Conceived by the legendary Gerald Genta and unveiled in 1972, it defied convention by presenting a luxury sports watch crafted entirely in stainless steel at a time when precious metals dominated fine watchmaking. The octagonal bezel secured by eight visible hexagonal screws, the integrated bracelet, and the distinctive Grande Tapisserie dial pattern became defining signatures of the line—and they remain just as captivating today as they were at the original launch.

The 50th Anniversary edition, reference 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04, was introduced to mark half a century of the Royal Oak and is immediately recognizable by its khaki green Grande Tapisserie dial. Green has emerged as one of the most sought-after dial colors of the modern era, and Audemars Piguet's treatment here—a rich, nuanced khaki tone applied to the signature raised square hobnail pattern—gives this chronograph an unmistakable wrist presence that photographs cannot fully capture. The sunburst depth of the green shifts subtly under different lighting, rewarding close inspection.

At 41mm in stainless steel, the Royal Oak Chronograph 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04 occupies the sweet spot between legibility and elegance. The case wears remarkably well on a wide range of wrist sizes, thanks in part to the slim, ergonomically contoured integrated bracelet that flows seamlessly from the case flanks—a design detail that still feels ahead of its time fifty years on. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces across the case and bracelet demonstrate the extraordinary hand-finishing that sets a Royal Oak apart from every imitator.

The Royal Oak Chronograph platform has long been celebrated for the sophistication of its movement and the clarity of its chronograph layout. The dial architecture on the 26240 generation places the sub-registers in a configuration that maximizes legibility while maintaining the aesthetic balance that Gerald Genta's original sketch demanded. Every element—from the applied Royal Oak logo at 12 o'clock to the date aperture and the baton hands in a coordinating finish—reinforces the sense that this watch was designed as a coherent object, not assembled from parts.

As a 50th Anniversary reference, the 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04 carries a significance beyond its technical specifications. It represents Audemars Piguet's own reflection on a legacy that changed the industry, and it was produced in an era of intense collector demand for the Royal Oak. Watches of this designation tend to hold their cultural resonance long after the anniversary year has passed, making them compelling not just as daily wearers but as cornerstones of a serious collection.

Bizak & Co. is pleased to offer this reference brand new, giving the next owner the full experience of unboxing a Royal Oak 50th Anniversary for the first time. Our team is available to answer any questions about provenance, authentication, and delivery—reach us directly at bizakandco.com or get in touch through our contact page to make this iconic chronograph yours.