Audemars Piguet 26347

History of the Audemars Piguet 26347

Throughout its storied history, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line has been a hotbed of innovation for its Swiss maker in terms of both design and mechanics. The line was first released in 1972 during the so-called “quartz crisis,” a challenging chapter for Swiss luxury watchmakers. Audemars Piguet’s unexpected stainless steel sports watch was an answer to the call for versatility, walking the tightrope between fashion and function.

In the decades since the Royal Oak’s initial release, we have seen numerous exciting references. In 2012, for the 40th anniversary of the collection, Audemars Piguet released the tourbillon extra-thin openworked watch. While the Royal Oak Concept collection had hit the market in 2002 as the brand’s chosen site for architectural designs and avant garde dials, this anniversary Royal Oak was one of the first to display an openworked dial in the company’s flagship line. Come 2014, Audemars Piguet upped the ante with the reference 26347, which added a much-loved chronograph functionality to the openworked tourbillon watch.

The Audemars Piguet 26347 was first released in 2014, and it remains a favorite on the secondary market. Up until its discontinuation in 2023, the Swiss brand continued to release new variations, amounting to seven in total. These hefty timepieces showcase the very best of the Royal Oak collection and stand out as masterful examples of Audemars Piguet’s commitment to both engineering excellence and pioneering aesthetic designs.

Audemars Piguet Reference 26347 Design

In many ways, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26347 remains true to the most distinctive design features of the Royal Oak line. Of course, you will see the iconic octagonal bezel that was the brainchild of Swiss horological superstar Gerald Genta. The exposed lugs on the bezel are a classic feature of the Royal Oak and are meant to evoke a diver’s helmet, underscoring the revolutionary sportiness of this 1970s renegade. But the connection of the reference 26347 to its predecessors goes even deeper than these immediately visible links.

The Audemars Piguet 26347 leans into the integrated bracelet that has defined the Royal Oak line from the get-go. When the original Royal Oak reference, the stainless steel 5402, hit the market in 1972, it drew attention both positive and negative. Part of its fascination was in the seamless flow of the watch’s case right into its comfortable and intricate bracelet. While wrist watches had previously tended toward their pocketwatch roots, essentially adding a strap onto what could be a standalone case, the Royal Oak showed off a new perspective: A bracelet that was just as important and defining in the watch’s aesthetic as its mechanical core.

The reference 26347 cements this connection, retaining a classic Royal Oak bracelet with both brushed and polished surfaces. These alternating textures add to the famously luminous and captivating effect of the Royal Oak that has kept collectors coming back decade after decade.

Of course, the Audemars Piguet 26347 also makes some key departures from its ancestors. The most obvious is the artistically openworked dial, which displays the impressive chronograph functionality with elegance and grace. To properly house this extraordinary mechanism, the brand opted for a larger 44 mm case. As always, Royal Oak watches tend to wear a little larger than their stated dimensions due to their angular and masculine nature.

Key Variations of the Royal Oak 26347

Since its debut in 2014, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26347 reference has been released in seven variations, including two limited-edition models that have received significant attention on the secondary market. The watch was produced in titanium, platinum, and rose gold. Dial color options (seen around the inner flange and on chronograph subdials, as the dial is skeletonized) include black, blue, and silver.

The Audemars Piguet x Material Good Royal Oak 26347 Collaboration

Two models of the Audemars Piguet 26347 have achieved special limited edition status. In collaboration with SoHo luxury boutique Material Good, Audemars Piguet released two unique 26347 models, each of which was limited to 25 pieces.

• Rose Gold: The 18K rose gold Audemars Piguet x Material Good model is slightly heavier than its titanium counterpart. It has an openworked tourbillon chronograph display as well as an exhibition caseback, both protected by sapphire crystal.
• Titanium: Slightly lighter, the Audemars Piguet 26347TI titanium watch offers a more futuristic and urban look. Like the rose gold version, it shows off its tourbillon chronograph functionality through an exposed case on both the front and the back. The inner movement features both rose gold and titanium components. There is also an AP 26347TI with gray rubber strap.

Royal Oak 26347 Features

As you look for an Audemars Piguet 26347 for sale, keep an eye out for these key features that help distinguish this watch from other tourbillon and chronograph models within the Royal Oak lineup. This watch was discontinued in 2023, so these days, you can find an Audemars Piguet 26347 for sale only on the secondary market.

Openworked Dial

Audemars Piguet really only began flirting with openworked dials in the early 2000s, and the reference 26347 marks an important turn into these sculptural and intricate displays, becoming more standard for the brand. Through a sapphire crystal protective layer, you can see three chronograph subdials overlaid on top of a skeletonized movement that gives you an intimate glimpse at the watch’s mechanics and high-performance components.

Chronograph Function

In the watch world, a chronograph is essentially a stopwatch made for tracking elapsed time. The Audemars Piguet 26347 has three subdials on its display that show hours, minutes, and seconds. The pushers on either side of the watch’s crown are used to operate the chronograph tool, making for an intuitive and useful complication.

Exhibition Caseback

The openworked dial on the Audemars Piguet 26347 is not the only place where you can get a glimpse of the watch’s exceptional inner workings. The backside of the case is also protected by sapphire crystal, and this side of the watch is just for the wearer. Additional exposed screws and a larger “bezel” surround a window into the watch’s exquisite tourbillon functionality. The tourbillon, as a reminder, helps counter the effects of gravity on a watch’s escapement and balance wheel. Though it is not necessary for precise timekeeping in today’s horological world, it is still considered a prestige addition to any upscale timepiece.

Oversized Case

The 44 mm case of the Audemars Piguet 26347 sets it apart from many of its other Royal Oak counterparts. With these mega proportions, it might seem like it would be more at home in the Royal Oak Offshore line, but the precision and sophistication of this elegant timepiece confirms that it is made to be a true Royal Oak. The 44 mm case wears slightly larger due to the watch’s angular, geometric construction. It has a hefty silhouette that makes a statement on any wrist.

Audemars Piguet 26347 Price

The limited edition nature of this prestigious watch has upped the Audemars Piguet 26347 price. These timepieces were initially priced at about $297,000 for the rose gold watch and $271,000 for the titanium watch. The pieces remain in demand on the secondary market. While you will see the titanium option with the ruthenium toned dial listed close to its original retail price, the rose gold version now frequently commands price tags over $300,000. Additionally, the special edition blue dial variations of the reference 26347 are particularly desirable, with asking prices that frequently clock in above $330,000. There is no getting around it: The reference 26347 is an expensive iteration of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. However, for those who want the best of the best, this is a watch that you simply cannot pass up.

The Bottom Line

The Audemars Piguet 26347 is a cherished collector’s item that is sure to enhance any modern-day watch collection. It is a tried and true Royal Oak watch that retains many of the line’s classic elements, all while adding a contemporary twist with its openworked dial and impressive chronograph tourbillon functionality. The reference 26347 showcases Audemars Piguet’s ongoing innovation and commitment to pushing the envelope when it comes to horological design. With seven different variations to choose from, you will be able to find an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26347 that suits your personal taste on the secondary market. If you do not see the specific reference you are looking for in our online catalog, do not despair. In many cases, our expert customer service team will be able to source one for you.