Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26300 Review

I have this 39mm ROC ref.26300 for more than a year and I must say that the level of details from every part of the watch has never failed to amaze me. I had a choice of either the new 41mm ROC ref. 26320 or this 39mm one at the time of purchase. After much trial on the wrist and long consideration, I decided on the 26300 as the classic size wears nicer on my wrist, and this reference looks sportier to me with the numeric seconds on the outer rim of the dial, the triangle 12-o'clock indicator, shorter hour indicators and a more cohesive monotone sub-dials with rail-track motif.



As all other RO, the tapisserie dial is one of the most attractive details of the watch. It is carved out from a blank piece of brass using a century-old machine. It is not difficult to observe those fine concentric lines weaving over the tiny squares of the tapisserie dial. Such pattern allows the dial to look more 'brilliant' when the light hits on it.



The case construction of the ROC is what attracted me to this reference. The entire watch looks decidedly masculine with a beefier octagonal bezel. The handsome screw-down chronograph pushers with hexagonal screw locks integrated beautifully with the smooth profile of the crown guards. The finishing of the ROC is unmatchable. My only gripe is that the AP logo on the crown would look more expensive if it is embossed rather than engraved.

 







I have to admit that the screw-down chronograph pushers are utterly inconvenient if you plan to use the chronograph function regularly. The screw locks are not easy to unscrew when the watch is on the wrist. It is possible to leave the locks at the unscrewed position, however the water resistance would be compromised. For me, all these functional issues are of no importance because I don't use my ROC for timekeeping. I happen to value its beautiful form rather than its functional substance.

 



The ROC is such a versatile watch it suits every occasion from casual to black tie. While it looks best in the remarkable RO bracelet, I find it equally stunning in leather strap. AP's leather strap is soft and very comfortable to wear, and it mellows down the glitter of ROC and transforms it into a very gentlemanly watch. 





Many people gripes about the lack of in-house movement for ROC. However, I find the F. Piguet movement very accurate and the chronograph pushers give the best feeling when depressed compared to all other chronographs I've handled so far. All in all, this ROC 26300 is a winner to me and it will remain in my small collection for a long time.

Thanks for reading!

Wayne