Innovation allied to tradition is the true mark of any great creative brand and it’s one that Audemars Piguet constantly manages to live up to. The latest example of this is the new version of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph, which for the first time is equipped with the latest generation chronograph movement, the Selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 4401.

Launched within the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet in 2019, Calibre 4401 features a column wheel and the flyback function that enables the owner to restart the chronograph without stopping or resetting it first. The column wheel works in collaboration with a vertical clutch system. When the chronograph is started or stopped, the hands respond accordingly without any hint of jumping. Furthermore, the pushpieces feel smoother when pressed. A patented zero resetting mechanism ensures that each one of the counter hands instantaneously resets to zero.

Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26239OR.OO.D821CR.01; Ref. 26239OR.OO.1220OR.02; Ref. 26239OR.OO.D315CR.01; Ref. 26239OR.OO.1220OR.01

The mechanical beauty is matched by the aesthetics, with another first, the sapphire caseback affording views of the integrated chronograph’s column wheel and the so-called “dance” of the chronograph hammers. It also shows off the 22ct pink gold oscillating weight and refined finishing, including “Côtes de Genève”, circular graining, circular satin and polished chamfers throughout.

Housed in a 41mm, 18ct pink gold case, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph comes with two dial options, featuring a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern and pairing blue or brown hues with pink gold-toned counters, pink gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating.

As the next evolution of a famous model, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph stays true to tradition with a decidedly modern touch. 

Discover the collection at Audemars Piguet or if you are in Sydney, or travelling there soon, visit the Swiss Concept store at 90 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000.