Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Blue Dial Discontinued

In-Depth Review

# Royal Oak Chronograph 26331ST Editorial

Since its introduction in 2017, this iteration of the Royal Oak Chronograph has occupied a distinctive position within Audemars Piguet's catalog—a sports chronograph that maintains the collection's unmistakable octagonal aesthetic while delivering genuine complications for practical timing. The 41mm stainless steel case houses the in-house caliber AP 2385, a movement engineered specifically for this reference, offering a respectable 40-hour power reserve and the precision expected at this price tier. The blue Grande Tapisserie dial strikes a calculated balance between tradition and contemporary appeal, departing from the dial's usual silvered finish without sacrificing the visual coherence that makes the Royal Oak instantly recognizable across variations.

The watch's discontinued status has inevitably shaped its market trajectory, with secondary prices now hovering around $45,000—a 35 percent premium over its original retail figure. This watch appeals primarily to established collectors who appreciate chronographic complications and recognize that the Royal Oak's design vocabulary remains largely immune to trend cycles. Its 50-meter water resistance and integrated bracelet suggest occasional wrist-tool capability, though realistically this is a refined desk-diver for the executive who values heritage over rugged utility.

Within its segment, this chronograph occupies ground distinct from the Rolex Daytona, which prioritizes sports legitimacy and availability scarcity, and the Omega Seamaster Chronograph, which emphasizes technical innovation. Audemars Piguet's offering instead trades on design continuity and manufacture prestige, appealing to those for whom the Royal Oak's sixty-year pedigree justifies the premium over competitors offering superior technical specifications at lower price points.