Description

The present watch is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26684ST.OO.1356ST.02, a landmark release that marks the first time this complication has been housed in a 38 mm case. Issued in celebration of the Maison’s 150th Anniversary, this specific reference is a highly exclusive limited edition of only 150 pieces.

This new 38 mm execution answers the call of collectors who desired a perpetual calendar in a silhouette that offers superior ergonomics and a serene presence on the wrist. Crafted in stainless steel with a thickness of just 9.4mm, the case retains the iconic octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, but with a refined sense of scale.

The dial features a light blue ‘Grande Tapisserie’ pattern, a backdrop that breathes new life into the traditional calendar layout. The more compact dial omits the outer week indicator to focus exclusively on the core functions: day, date, month, leap year, and astronomical moon at 6 o’clock. The resulting aesthetic is cleaner and more focused, allowing the hand-applied 18 ct gold markers and hands to stand out. Other notable design elements include the limited edition brand signature in italic at 6 o’clock and the snailing on the subdials.

At the heart of this watch is the Calibre 7136, a next-generation manufacture movement based on the ultra-thin 7121 found in the “Jumbo” 16202. Most notably, the 7136 incorporates several innovations from the RD#2 project, including a highly intuitive system where all calendar corrections are performed via the crown, eliminating the need for traditional recessed pushers in the case side. The caseback is engraved with the ‘150’ logo and ‘1 of 150 pieces’ inscription to commemorate the occasion.

The 26684ST.OO.1356ST.02 is a definitive trophy for the Audemars Piguet enthusiast, representing a significant shift toward more compact, balanced proportions for one of horology’s most revered complications.

Audemars Piguet – bio

Audemars Piguet is a Swiss manufacturer of mechanical watches founded in 1875. They began in the Vallée de Joux. Jules Louis Audemars formed a partnership with Edward Auguste Piguet. Audemars created complicated blank watch movements for other manufactures to use. Piguet specialized in the final regulation of watches. They then split responsibilities when they began their own company. Audemars was in charge of production and technical aspects while Piguet focused on sales and management. One of their first achievements was creating the first repeater wristwatch in 1892 and in 1972 the iconic steel “Royal Oak”.