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The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26240CE is a remarkable addition to the Royal Oak collection, introduced in 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic line. This model stands out for its use of black ceramic, a material Audemars Piguet has experimented with since the early 2000s. Ceramic is renowned for its lightweight nature, as well as its high resistance to wear and scratches.
Description of the 26240CE:
• Case:
The 41 mm case is made entirely of black ceramic and features the iconic octagonal bezel with visible screws. The case has a height of 12.4 mm and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
• Dial:
The black dial showcases the “Grande Tapisserie” pattern with black subdials. Applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold with luminescent coating ensure optimal legibility.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
• Movement:
Inside beats the Caliber 4401, an automatic flyback chronograph movement offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This movement allows for an instant reset and restart of the chronograph with a single push.
(Source: Watches by SJX)
• Bracelet:
The integrated black ceramic bracelet with an AP folding clasp ensures exceptional comfort and seamlessly blends into the overall design.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
The Royal Oak 26240CE reflects Audemars Piguet’s dedication to innovation and tradition, making it a standout example of Swiss watchmaking excellence.
When comparing the replica 26240 CE to the genuine 26240 CE in photos and videos, both watches appear virtually identical. My first impression upon receiving the replica was, “Did they accidentally send me the genuine watch they used as a reference for this model?” It truly looks outstanding. Having watched numerous videos of the genuine model, I can confidently say the resemblance is remarkable. You can see for yourself in the videos I’ve attached for comparison.
The watch’s measurements match those of the genuine model, with a diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 12.4 mm. It wears slightly larger than a 40 mm Rolex, but the all-black color gives it a more understated appearance. On my 17.5 cm wrist, the size and weight feel well-balanced. I suspect the steel version might feel bulkier in comparison.
The weight is satisfying and well-distributed. With all links attached, the watch weighs 168 grams. After resizing it for my wrist, removing three links, the weight is reduced to 157 grams. The bracelet features six removable links (three on each side).
While the bracelet is very comfortable and free of sharp edges, it doesn’t quite match the refinement of a Rolex bracelet. It takes some time to get used to, but overall, it’s a solid design.
To resize the ceramic bracelet, I used this tool, which you can purchase on AliExpress for less than $5. Avoid using a hammer and nail for this task.
To remove the pins, start by pushing them out from the side with the smaller hole. Once the first pin is removed, repeat the process for the next one, and so on. When reinserting the pins, push them back from the side with the larger hole. Be cautious not to lose the small sleeve located in the smaller hole, as it’s essential for the bracelet’s integrity.
The process is straightforward, but having the right tool makes all the difference.
The factory has done an excellent job with the ceramic bezel. The eight screws securing the bezel are properly recessed, which is accurate to the original design. This is a significant improvement compared to what I experienced with AP replicas about 10 years ago.
The brushing and polishing on the bezel are exceptionally well done, closely resembling the genuine model. The case is flawless, leaving little room for improvement.
The crystal appears to have colorless double AR coating, making it a pleasure to view the tapisserie dial, which shifts beautifully in color under sunlight. The hands and indices feature a stunning golden tone, adding to the overall premium feel. In bright sunlight, the tapisserie dial displays a stunning rainbow sunburst effect. The subdials are surrounded by a golden ring and feature an elegant sunburst finish as well. The date window and date disc are remarkably accurate, closely resembling the genuine model.
The movement is a high-quality clone of the AP Caliber 4401, complete with a flyback chronograph function, and is beautifully displayed through the open sapphire caseback. Its intricate design and detailed finishing make it a standout feature of the watch.
Interestingly, when winding the watch, there is complete silence—no audible gear sounds, which is quite unusual. Typically, you would hear the gears engaging, but that’s not the case here. Additionally, when the watch is fully wound, the rotor doesn’t appear to spin. I plan to have this checked by my friend and watchmaker, Domi. For now, I can confirm that there’s absolutely no rotor noise.
In summary, the Royal Oak 26240 is an impressive replica that comes very close to the genuine model. It wears comfortably on a 17.5 cm wrist, but I do miss some practical features found in Rolex watches, such as the Easylink system, which allows you to extend the bracelet when your wrist swells.
The bracelet, however, captures the stunning shine of the genuine Royal Oak, adding to its overall appeal. That said, this isn’t a watch for those looking to show off. It’s understated and refined, lacking the bold, eye-catching sparkle that many Rolex models are known for.
Description of the 26240CE:
• Case:
The 41 mm case is made entirely of black ceramic and features the iconic octagonal bezel with visible screws. The case has a height of 12.4 mm and is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
• Dial:
The black dial showcases the “Grande Tapisserie” pattern with black subdials. Applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands in rose gold with luminescent coating ensure optimal legibility.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
• Movement:
Inside beats the Caliber 4401, an automatic flyback chronograph movement offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This movement allows for an instant reset and restart of the chronograph with a single push.
(Source: Watches by SJX)
• Bracelet:
The integrated black ceramic bracelet with an AP folding clasp ensures exceptional comfort and seamlessly blends into the overall design.
(Source: Audemars Piguet Official Website)
The Royal Oak 26240CE reflects Audemars Piguet’s dedication to innovation and tradition, making it a standout example of Swiss watchmaking excellence.
When comparing the replica 26240 CE to the genuine 26240 CE in photos and videos, both watches appear virtually identical. My first impression upon receiving the replica was, “Did they accidentally send me the genuine watch they used as a reference for this model?” It truly looks outstanding. Having watched numerous videos of the genuine model, I can confidently say the resemblance is remarkable. You can see for yourself in the videos I’ve attached for comparison.
The watch’s measurements match those of the genuine model, with a diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 12.4 mm. It wears slightly larger than a 40 mm Rolex, but the all-black color gives it a more understated appearance. On my 17.5 cm wrist, the size and weight feel well-balanced. I suspect the steel version might feel bulkier in comparison.
The weight is satisfying and well-distributed. With all links attached, the watch weighs 168 grams. After resizing it for my wrist, removing three links, the weight is reduced to 157 grams. The bracelet features six removable links (three on each side).
While the bracelet is very comfortable and free of sharp edges, it doesn’t quite match the refinement of a Rolex bracelet. It takes some time to get used to, but overall, it’s a solid design.
To resize the ceramic bracelet, I used this tool, which you can purchase on AliExpress for less than $5. Avoid using a hammer and nail for this task.
To remove the pins, start by pushing them out from the side with the smaller hole. Once the first pin is removed, repeat the process for the next one, and so on. When reinserting the pins, push them back from the side with the larger hole. Be cautious not to lose the small sleeve located in the smaller hole, as it’s essential for the bracelet’s integrity.
The process is straightforward, but having the right tool makes all the difference.
The factory has done an excellent job with the ceramic bezel. The eight screws securing the bezel are properly recessed, which is accurate to the original design. This is a significant improvement compared to what I experienced with AP replicas about 10 years ago.
The brushing and polishing on the bezel are exceptionally well done, closely resembling the genuine model. The case is flawless, leaving little room for improvement.
The crystal appears to have colorless double AR coating, making it a pleasure to view the tapisserie dial, which shifts beautifully in color under sunlight. The hands and indices feature a stunning golden tone, adding to the overall premium feel. In bright sunlight, the tapisserie dial displays a stunning rainbow sunburst effect. The subdials are surrounded by a golden ring and feature an elegant sunburst finish as well. The date window and date disc are remarkably accurate, closely resembling the genuine model.
The movement is a high-quality clone of the AP Caliber 4401, complete with a flyback chronograph function, and is beautifully displayed through the open sapphire caseback. Its intricate design and detailed finishing make it a standout feature of the watch.
Interestingly, when winding the watch, there is complete silence—no audible gear sounds, which is quite unusual. Typically, you would hear the gears engaging, but that’s not the case here. Additionally, when the watch is fully wound, the rotor doesn’t appear to spin. I plan to have this checked by my friend and watchmaker, Domi. For now, I can confirm that there’s absolutely no rotor noise.
In summary, the Royal Oak 26240 is an impressive replica that comes very close to the genuine model. It wears comfortably on a 17.5 cm wrist, but I do miss some practical features found in Rolex watches, such as the Easylink system, which allows you to extend the bracelet when your wrist swells.
The bracelet, however, captures the stunning shine of the genuine Royal Oak, adding to its overall appeal. That said, this isn’t a watch for those looking to show off. It’s understated and refined, lacking the bold, eye-catching sparkle that many Rolex models are known for.
