Anyone looking for Audemars Piguet watches for sale knows the prestige and sophistication of the Royal Oak line. These timeless creations showcase the Swiss brand’s commitment to technological innovation and unparalleled horological craftsmanship. A classic Royal Oak watch is sure to stun, but have you considered breaking out of the mold and checking out a more unusual Audemars Piguet style?
Today, we are spotlighting six carefully selected Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore models that exemplify Audemars Piguet’s dedication to keeping up with contemporary trends. The continued innovation and modernization of the Royal Oak line has yielded some incredible timepieces that you will surely want to add to your collection. From oversize dials to diamond-set bezels and chronograph functionality, these elite watches have it all and then some. Let’s take a closer look.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 15710
With its debut in 2015, the Audemars Piguet 15710 changed the face of the Royal Oak Offshore collection entirely. It succeeded the previous reigning Offshore reference, the 15703, and ended up being even more popular than its predecessor. The Reference 15710 is nicknamed the “Royal Oak Offshore Diver” watch, as it features a gas release valve, a rugged rubber strap, and 60-minute rotating inner bezel to help marine adventurers time their underwater excursions. Whether you wear it for everyday sophistication or oceanographic missions, the Audemars Piguet 15710 is certainly a must-have timepiece.
Why We Love It: Although the Royal Oak Offshore line was first introduced in the 1990s, the Reference 15710 marked the beginning of a distinctly modern chapter for this collection. Its rugged look preserves classic Royal Oak features, such as the stainless steel octagonal bezel with exposed screws, but adds new updates that make it more versatile and wearable than ever. Powered by the much-loved Caliber 3120, this watch also showcases its pristine movement through an exhibition caseback that was not available in previous references.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 16202
The coveted Audemars Piguet 16202 was released in 2022 as part of the brand’s iconic 50th anniversary celebration for the Royal Oak line. It replaced the reigning Reference 15202, upgrading the heart of the company’s flagship model to the modern and innovative Caliber 7121. The Reference 16202 offers a number of incredible variants, including fully rose gold models, high jewelry creations, and luxe upgrades on the classic “Jumbo” Extra-Thin look. You might even argue that the Audemars Piguet 16202 signifies the next chapter in contemporary luxury, setting an example for upscale watch brands across the horological sphere.
Why We Love It: The Reference 16202 is so much more than just a beautiful watch. Its incredible functionality goes right along with its fanciful form, exuding contemporary confidence from every angle. A few variants worth mentioning include the 16202BA, which is crafted entirely from 18K yellow gold; the 16202BC, which is set with countless brilliant diamonds in haute joaillerie fashion; the 16202ST, which offers a classic stainless steel profile; and the 16202XT, which breaks tradition with a glamorous and richly saturated burgundy dial. In short, no matter which variation you choose, you cannot go wrong with a Reference 16202.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26170
Although the first Royal Oak Offshore models hit the shelves in 1993, it took Audemars Piguet a few years to perfect this adventurous take on the classic stainless steel sports watch. The Audemars Piguet 26170 was launched in 2007 to much acclaim. Lauded by enthusiasts around the world, this rugged timepiece features three chronograph subdials, large Arabic numeral hour markers, and a date display at the 3 o’clock position. You can get your hands on a 26170ST (the stainless steel variant) with a leather or rubber strap, adding to the watch’s versatility.
Why We Love It: The Audemars Piguet 26170 marked a shift in the history of the Royal Oak Offshore. The Swiss brand upgraded this line’s inner workings, showcasing the performance and prowess of the Caliber 3126/3840, which offers a 50-hour power reserve and reliable chronograph functionality. The so-called “Safari” edition, which is now discontinued, was a favorite variant and featured a cream dial and an Alligator hornback strap. Many 26170 watches have additional attractive features, such as a tachymeter inner bezel and 50 meters of water resistance that add to the watch’s adventurous appeal.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26240
Launched in 2022 as a part of – you guessed it – Audemars Piguet’s 50th anniversary celebration for the Royal Oak line, the Audemars Piguet 26240 ushered in a new chapter for the renowned Royal Oak Chronograph. This reference showcases both a mechanical leap forward and an evolution in the chronograph lineup’s design. At the core of the watch, you will find the brand’s fully in-house integrated flyback chronograph movement: the Caliber 4401. Each variant that falls under the umbrella of this diverse reference brings its own personality and flair, meaning that shoppers have plenty of options to choose from.
Why We Love It: The Audemars Piguet 26240 could be the subject of a full-length article all on its own. This impeccable reference shows off some of the Swiss brand’s most exemplary engineering, precision, and artistry. You will discover watches made from stainless steel, yellow gold, rose gold, black ceramic, and more, some of which feature unique “frosted” finishes and vibrant dials. As a whole, the Reference 26240 timepieces are a great place to turn if you are looking for a perfect marriage of form and function. This watch does it all without missing a beat in its elegant, sophisticated, and distinctive aesthetics.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26320
The 41 mm Audemars Piguet 26320 is a favorite among savvy collectors. It is renowned for its minimalist style and connection to the designs of the original Royal Oak watches from the 1970s. Gerald Genta’s vision shines through, even in a collection that was released 40 years after the original (in fact, this reference was launched as part of another anniversary celebration for the Royal Oak). It succeeded a prior version of the Royal Oak Chronograph, turning heads with an updated dial featuring a larger tapisserie pattern and longer hour markers. But perhaps the most important departure from the previous reference was the 26320’s size. Going from 39 mm to 41 mm might not seem like a lot, but it bridges the gap from old-school to modern.
Why We Love It: The Audemars Piguet 26320 is an updated version of a classic, taking the much-loved Royal Oak Chronograph collection into the present day. It offers a sharp, clean aesthetic that is masculine and refined, easily transitioning from an important board meeting to an evening at the opera. Three chronograph subdials are paired with a helpful date display tucked in between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock hour markers. This reference was discontinued in 2017, paving the way for the next watch on this list…
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26331
Launched in 2017, the Audemars Piguet 26331 was the reigning Royal Oak Chronograph model until 2022, when it too was discontinued. While discontinuation might sound like a bad thing, it can actually be a boon for the watch collector who stays on top of market trends. Royal Oak Chronograph models often command far more than their original MSRP on the secondary market, meaning that they can be a smart investment down the line. These timepieces are also undeniable heirlooms that are sure to become treasured throughout the generations of your family. Like the Reference 26240, which followed this creation, the Reference 26331 offers an incredible swath of variants, so truly anyone can find a watch that fits their personality.
Why We Love It: The Audemars Piguet 26331 bridges the gap between references 26320 and 26240. It combines technological mastery with visual sophistication, and it is powered by the dependable Caliber 2385. Symmetry takes center stage in these exquisite creations, drawing the eye and eliciting oohs and ahhs as collectors and enthusiasts alike drool over these watches. With historical significance and everyday wearability wrapped up in one gorgeous package, it is no surprise that the Reference 26331 has become a symbol of the lasting collectability of Audemars Piguet watches. As newer chronograph models dominate the primary market, the value (both financial and sentimental) surrounding the 26331 is set to grow in the coming years for owners both actual and hopeful.
Shop the Audemars Piguet Watches of Your Dreams
Uncover the best deals on Audemars Piguet watches for sale when you shop for these elite timepieces on the secondary market. You will discover rare, vintage, and discontinued pieces from global powerhouses like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and others. If you have your heart set on one of the elegant Audemars Piguet watches we have covered in this article, make sure to do some market research so that you have an idea of the going rate for one of these timepieces. That way, you can ensure that you are making a smart investment in your future and securing a timepiece you will be thrilled to pass down for generations to come.