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Expert Review: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01)

by Thomas Jentzsch on May 11, 2023

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a timepiece that exudes luxury and sophistication. This watch is a true masterpiece of horology, combining the brand's signature design with a highly complex perpetual calendar function. The Reference 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01 is a stunning example of this iconic watch, featuring a stainless steel case and bracelet, a blue dial, and a host of impressive features. In this review, we will take a closer look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01, exploring its design, functionality, and overall performance.

Brand Summary

Audemars Piguet is a luxury Swiss watch brand known for its high-quality timepieces. The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is one of their most popular models, featuring a stainless steel case and bracelet, a perpetual calendar function, and a sleek, modern design. The reference number for this particular model is 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 41 Stainless Steel / Silver (26574ST.OO.1220ST.01)

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Watch Details

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) is a stunning and sophisticated timepiece that combines the iconic design of the Royal Oak with the practicality of a perpetual calendar. The watch is part of the Royal Oak collection by Audemars Piguet, a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.

The 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01 Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar was released in 2017 and quickly became a highly sought-after watch among watch enthusiasts and collectors. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case and bracelet, with a silver-toned dial and blue hands and markers. The perpetual calendar function is displayed through three sub-dials, providing accurate date, day, month, and moon phase indications.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is powered by a highly complicated and precise automatic movement, the Audemars Piguet Caliber 5134, which provides a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The watch also features a sapphire crystal glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring optimal readability in any lighting condition.

The 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01 Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is available for purchase at a high-end price point, with a retail price of around $65,000 USD. However, the actual price may vary depending on the region and the authorized dealer. The watch is available for purchase both online and in Audemars Piguet boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a limited edition watch, with only 400 pieces produced worldwide. Each watch is individually numbered on the case back, adding to its exclusivity and collectability. The limited edition status of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar has made it a highly sought-after watch among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Overall, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) is a technical and design masterpiece. Its iconic design, sophisticated perpetual calendar function, and high-quality construction make it a valuable and versatile investment that is sure to appreciate in value over time. Whether you are a watch collector or simply appreciate the art of horology, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a timepiece that is sure to impress.

Key Features

  • Stainless steel case and bracelet
  • 41mm case diameter
  • Blue dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern
  • Perpetual calendar with day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase indications
  • Automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve
  • Sapphire crystal caseback
  • Water-resistant up to 50 meters
  • Integrated bracelet with AP folding clasp
  • Octagonal bezel with 8 hexagonal screws
  • Luminous hands and hour markers

 

PRO (+)

  • Stunning design with iconic octagonal shape and brushed stainless steel finish
  • Highly accurate perpetual calendar function that requires no manual adjustment until the year 2100
  • Reliable and precise automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve
  • Water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling
  • Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial and ensures long-lasting durability
  • Luminous hands and markers for easy readability in low-light conditions
  • Comes with a comfortable and stylish stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp
  • Backed by the prestigious Audemars Piguet brand and its long history of watchmaking excellence

CONTRA (-)

  • Expensive price point
  • May be too bulky or heavy for some wearers
  • Requires regular maintenance and servicing
  • May not be suitable for everyday wear or casual occasions
  • May not appeal to those who prefer simpler or more understated watch designs

Comparable Watches

When it comes to comparable watches to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, there are a few options that come to mind. One such option is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 5740/1G-001). Like the Royal Oak, the Nautilus is a highly sought-after luxury sports watch with a perpetual calendar complication. It also features a similar octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet design. However, the Nautilus has a slightly larger case size at 40mm and a more traditional round date window.

Another comparable watch is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin (Reference: 4300V/120G-B102). This watch also features a perpetual calendar complication and a sporty design with an integrated bracelet. However, the Overseas has a more traditional round case shape and a slightly smaller case size at 41.5mm. It also has a unique interchangeable strap system, allowing for easy customization.

Finally, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual (Reference: Q130842J) is another option to consider. This watch features a perpetual calendar complication and a sleek, minimalist design. It has a slightly smaller case size at 39mm and a more traditional round case shape. However, it still has a sporty edge with its integrated bracelet and water resistance up to 50 meters.

Overall, these watches offer similar features and designs to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, making them great alternatives for those looking for a luxury sports watch with a perpetual calendar complication.

Watch Collectors Opinions

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) has received high praise from watch collectors and reviewers alike. Many have noted the watch's stunning design, which features a stainless steel case and bracelet, a blue dial with a "Grande Tapisserie" pattern, and a perpetual calendar complication. The watch's 41mm size is also appreciated, as it is not too large or too small, making it a versatile option for both casual and formal occasions.

One of the standout features of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is its movement, which is the self-winding Calibre 5134. This movement is highly accurate and reliable, and it has a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The perpetual calendar complication is also highly praised, as it displays the day, date, month, and moon phase, and it only needs to be adjusted once every leap year.

Overall, watch collectors and reviewers have been impressed with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. Many have noted that it is a true masterpiece of watchmaking, with its stunning design and impressive complications. While it is certainly a high-end watch with a price tag to match, many believe that it is worth the investment for those who appreciate fine timepieces.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) is a watch that has captured the attention of watch collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Its stunning design, featuring a stainless steel case and bracelet, a blue dial with a "Grande Tapisserie" pattern, and a perpetual calendar complication, is truly a work of art. The watch's 41mm size is also appreciated, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

The Calibre 5134 movement is another standout feature of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. It is highly accurate and reliable, with a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The perpetual calendar complication is also highly praised, displaying the day, date, month, and moon phase, and only needing to be adjusted once every leap year.

Overall, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a masterpiece of watchmaking. While it is certainly a high-end watch with a price tag to match, many believe that it is worth the investment for those who appreciate fine timepieces. Its combination of stunning design and impressive complications make it a watch that will be cherished for years to come. If you are in the market for a luxury watch that is both beautiful and functional, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Q: What is the power reserve of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01)?
A: The watch has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.

Q: Is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) suitable for everyday wear?
A: Yes, the watch is suitable for everyday wear. It has a water resistance of 50 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, making it durable and reliable for daily use.

Q: How often does the perpetual calendar function need to be adjusted?
A: The perpetual calendar function of the watch is designed to automatically adjust for leap years and requires no manual adjustment until the year 2100.

Q: Can the moon phase display on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01) be adjusted?
A: No, the moon phase display is designed to accurately track the moon’s phases and cannot be manually adjusted.

Q: What is the retail price of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar (Reference: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01)?
A: The retail price of the watch is approximately $85,800 USD. However, the actual price may vary depending on the region and the authorized dealer.

 

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