Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26735ST: The Iconic Jubilee Timepiece Bridging Half a Century of Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Innovation
Since its debut in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has solidified its status as one of the most iconic designs in contemporary horology. As the pioneering luxury sports watch, it not only opened a new chapter for stainless steel timepieces but also became a symbol of both tradition and innovation in the watchmaking industry. Over fifty years, the Royal Oak has remained a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet's identity, a testament to its ability to merge technical mastery with artistic vision. To commemorate this milestone, the brand introduced several jubilee editions, among which the Royal Oak 26735ST, featuring a tourbillon and skeletonized design, stands out as a representation of the series’ past, present, and future. It embodies a blend of classic design cues, modern technical innovation, and the deep heritage that has defined Audemars Piguet for decades.
Understanding the significance of this timepiece requires a reflection on the Royal Oak’s origin. In the early 1970s, the Swiss watch industry was experiencing one of its most turbulent periods due to the quartz crisis, with many traditional manufacturers facing existential threats. In this context, Audemars Piguet made a bold decision to innovate, commissioning the young designer Gérald Genta to create a wristwatch that would defy convention. In a single night, Genta conceived the Royal Oak—a watch with a distinctive octagonal bezel, eight hexagonal screws, and an integrated bracelet that flowed seamlessly from the case. Perhaps most revolutionary was the use of stainless steel, elevated to the level of haute horology—a bold move that challenged existing norms. This combination of innovative design and material audacity not only ensured the Royal Oak’s survival but also paved the way for an entirely new category of luxury sports watches. Without the Royal Oak, the landscape of modern luxury sports watches would likely look very different today.
Over the past fifty years, the Royal Oak has evolved into a multi-faceted family, encompassing simple three-hand models, chronographs, perpetual calendars, ultra-thin variants, tourbillons, and skeletonized designs. Each iteration reflects a unique combination of technical sophistication and aesthetic refinement. Beyond functionality, the Royal Oak has become a cultural icon, closely intertwined with modern design, architecture, and lifestyle trends. Its appeal transcends mere timekeeping; it represents a philosophy, a statement of taste, and a commitment to the enduring values of craftsmanship. Within this context, the 26735ST emerges not just as a watch, but as a symbolic artifact marking the Royal Oak’s fifty-year journey.
The 26735ST faithfully preserves the hallmark visual identity of the Royal Oak: the octagonal bezel secured with eight hexagonal screws, the integrated case-and-bracelet construction, and the sculpted surfaces that showcase Audemars Piguet’s meticulous finishing. Measuring 41mm in diameter with a thickness of 10.6mm, it sits comfortably on the wrist while providing sufficient space for its complex mechanics. Crafted entirely from stainless steel, the case and bracelet feature brushed surfaces complemented by polished chamfers that create dynamic contrasts in light, reflecting the watch’s rigorous attention to detail. The finishing is not merely aesthetic; it demonstrates a mastery of metallurgy and handcraft, ensuring that the sharp lines remain clean while the surfaces exhibit subtle depth and texture under varying lighting conditions.
At the three o’clock position sits the screw-down crown, adorned with the AP logo and featuring finely knurled edges for ease of adjustment. The sapphire crystal caseback, treated with anti-reflective coating, provides an unobstructed view of the intricate movement. This transparency allows the wearer not only to appreciate the mechanical beauty from the front but also to explore the complexity of the Calibre 2972 from the back—a dual perspective that emphasizes both artistry and engineering.
Unlike traditional Royal Oak models with the signature “tapisserie” patterned dials, the 26735ST showcases a skeletonized dial that emphasizes depth and transparency. The dial itself is largely absent, replaced by the rhodium-colored skeletonized movement, creating a striking sense of dimensionality. The hour markers and hands, crafted in white gold and filled with luminous material, ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. At six o’clock, the tourbillon takes center stage, its cage rotating rhythmically in tandem with the exposed gears and bridges, forming a mesmerizing focal point. The interplay of mechanical motion and visual drama demonstrates that this watch is as much a piece of kinetic art as it is a functional instrument.
The combination of skeletonization and tourbillon is not merely a technical feat—it carries philosophical significance. Skeletonization reveals the inner workings of the watch, making visible the delicate interplay of wheels, springs, and bridges that are typically hidden. It symbolizes transparency, the celebration of craftsmanship, and the invitation for the wearer to engage with the mechanical heart of the watch. Meanwhile, the tourbillon, originally designed to counteract the effects of gravity on timekeeping, has evolved into a hallmark of haute horlogerie. In the 26735ST, it represents both historical reverence and contemporary sophistication, merging aesthetic pleasure with mechanical ingenuity.
Powering the watch is Audemars Piguet’s in-house Calibre 2972 automatic movement. Measuring 31.5mm in diameter and 6.2mm thick, it offers a robust 65-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. A special 50th-anniversary rotor harmonizes seamlessly with the skeletonized movement, blending technical function with visual elegance. Observing the automatic rotor in motion through the caseback creates a dynamic scene where the energy of the wearer’s wrist drives the entire mechanism—a tangible reminder of the symbiosis between human action and mechanical precision.
The exposed nature of the movement necessitates extraordinary attention to finishing. Every bridge is chamfered and polished, each surface brushed with uniformity, and screws carefully beveled and polished to perfection. This level of refinement transforms the movement into a miniature work of art, allowing every detail to tell a story of craftsmanship, patience, and dedication. The Calibre 2972 exemplifies Audemars Piguet’s mastery in marrying technical excellence with aesthetic sophistication, demonstrating that even functional components can contribute to the overall beauty of a timepiece.
In terms of wearability, the 26735ST retains the Royal Oak’s signature integrated bracelet, composed of multiple trapezoidal links that conform naturally to the wrist. The brushed surfaces, polished edges, and subtle metallic sheen create a tactile and visual richness that enhances daily wear. The folding clasp, engraved with the AP logo, employs a dual-button release for security and convenience. While its water resistance of 50 meters may seem modest, it is more than sufficient for everyday activities, and the watch’s overall presence on the wrist is commanding yet comfortable—a true embodiment of the luxury sports watch ideal.
Beyond its technical and aesthetic qualities, the 26735ST carries profound cultural and historical significance. It is a watch that reflects fifty years of evolution, paying homage to the Royal Oak’s enduring design while simultaneously advancing contemporary horological innovation. It appeals not only to collectors but also to connoisseurs who appreciate the philosophical and artistic dimensions of watchmaking. The watch signifies discernment, a recognition of the Royal Oak’s pioneering spirit, and a celebration of time-honored craftsmanship.
In today’s luxury watch market, the Royal Oak remains one of the most sought-after collections, commanding attention both at retail and in secondary markets. Limited editions and complicated models, such as the 26735ST, enjoy particular prestige and rarity, enhancing their appeal to collectors and investors alike. This timepiece serves not only as a tribute to the past fifty years but also as a marker for the next chapter in the Royal Oak’s legacy, embodying a blend of tradition, innovation, and aesthetic excellence.
In conclusion, the Royal Oak 26735ST is a remarkable synthesis of heritage and modernity. Its design honors the signature elements that have made the Royal Oak instantly recognizable, its movement exemplifies contemporary technical prowess, and its openworked tourbillon reveals the beauty of high watchmaking in motion. It is a timepiece that transcends mere functionality, acting as both a historical artifact and an artistic statement. Half a century after its inception, the Royal Oak continues to shine, proving that true classics do not fade with time but instead grow more luminous as the years pass. With the 26735ST, Audemars Piguet has not only celebrated fifty years of innovation but also created a lasting symbol of craftsmanship, culture, and timeless elegance.