Description
Introduced early 2026, reference 26450ST represents most significant upgrade in 38mm Royal Oak Chronograph history—introducing entirely new in-house Caliber 6401 after nearly three decades utilizing Frédéric Piguet 1185 ébauche (rebranded Caliber 2385). The development spanning five years delivers not downsized version of 41mm’s Caliber 4401 but complete reimagining optimized specifically for smaller proportions. Patented vertical clutch simplified to reduce mechanical complexity while improving pusher feel, directly driven design positioned centrally removes intermediate transmission wheels enhancing start/stop precision. The dial layout redesigned for enhanced legibility: subdials repositioned further from center with 30-minute totalizer moved to 9 o’clock (previously 3), 12-hour counter relocated to 3 o’clock (previously 9), running seconds at 6 o’clock now featuring Arabic numerals at 20/40/60 for improved timing readability. Date window shifted midway between 4-5 o’clock maintaining better symmetry. Power reserve increased to 72 hours from predecessor’s 40 hours representing 80% improvement addressing long-standing limitation while beat rate elevated to 28,800 vph (4Hz) from predecessor’s 21,600 vph improving precision and chronograph accuracy. Most notably, sapphire exhibition caseback debuts for first time in 38mm Royal Oak Chronograph’s history revealing movement finishing previously hidden beneath solid steel caseback—major transparency upgrade demonstrating confidence in Caliber 6401’s decoration quality.
The 38mm case measures 11.1mm thick representing minimal 0.1mm increase over predecessor despite housing entirely new movement architecture, crafted in brushed stainless steel with octagonal bezel secured by eight exposed hexagonal screws with perfectly aligned slots. The alternating satin brushing and polished bevels maintain Royal Oak’s signature finishing complexity where each surface transition requires individual attention during manufacture. Glareproofed sapphire crystals protect both dial and exhibition caseback, the latter revealing Caliber 6401’s refined finishing including Côtes de Genève striping, circular graining, polished bevels, and openworked 22k gold rotor contrasting against rhodium-plated bridges and baseplate. Screw-locked crown at 3 o’clock enhances water resistance to 50 meters while chronograph pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock flank crown maintaining Royal Oak Chronograph’s established control layout. The blue Grande Tapisserie dial features Royal Oak’s original large-scale waffle pattern creating architectural depth through light and shadow interplay, the pattern’s geometric precision requiring specialized stamping dies and multiple manufacturing steps to achieve consistent relief depth. Three blue tone-on-tone chronograph subdials with snailed finishing provide subtle textural variation: 30-minute totalizer at 9 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 6 o’clock with white Arabic numerals at 20/40/60 improving legibility during chronograph timing. Applied 18k white gold baton hour markers and matching Royal Oak hands filled with white luminescent material ensure visibility in low-light conditions while rhodium-toned inner bezel frames composition. The self-winding Caliber 6401 comprises 348 components with 44 jewels, operating at 28,800 vph with robust 72-hour power reserve representing significant improvement over predecessor’s 40-50 hours. The integrated column-wheel chronograph with patented directly driven vertical clutch positioned centrally removes intermediate transmission wheels simplifying construction while improving tactility. No flyback functionality differentiates from larger 41mm Caliber 4401. The movement showcases exceptional hand-finishing visible through sapphire caseback including straight-grained mainplate, beveled edges, and circular-grained ratchet wheel. Integrated stainless steel bracelet features Royal Oak’s signature H-link design with alternating brushed and polished surfaces flowing seamlessly from lugs, secured by AP’s triple-blade folding clasp providing secure closure and micro-adjustment capability for precise sizing.
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