Audemars Piguet "New Generation" Royal Oak Chronograph 38

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is available in two versions: a large 41mm model and a medium-sized 38mm model. Of these, the 41mm version underwent a generational update in 2022—designated as Reference 26240—and is powered by Audemars Piguet’s in-house Calibre 4401 automatic chronograph movement. This year, the 38mm version has finally completed its generational update as well. The best replica watches at captainthewatch.is.

Audemars Piguet’s new Caliber 6401 is an automatic chronograph movement featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch; it measures 27 mm in diameter and 5.7 mm in thickness. Compared to the 32 mm Caliber 4401 (found in the Royal Oak Chronograph 41), its dimensions are notably more compact. In terms of performance, this in-house Caliber 6401 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the FP1185 movement: the balance frequency has been increased to 28,800 vibrations per hour, and the power reserve has been extended to 55 hours. Most crucially, the Caliber 6401 features a modified vertical clutch structure, incorporating what Audemars Piguet describes as an "innovative caliper mechanism."

The new-generation Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 38mm replica (Ref. 26450) bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor (Ref. 26715); however, the adoption of the new in-house Caliber 6401 movement in the 26450 has resulted in numerous changes to the dial layout. Thanks to these modifications, one can now distinguish the new model from the old one at a mere glance, simply by observing the dial. First, a key detail change on the 26450 dial is that the chronograph sub-dials at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions have been shifted slightly upward, now sitting above the dial's horizontal centerline. Furthermore, the three sub-dials on the 26450 are uniform in size, creating a harmonious visual balance—whereas on the previous model, the small seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position was notably smaller.

Following the release of the 41 mm Royal Oak Chronograph, Audemars Piguet undertook the specific development of a dedicated, in-house chronograph movement exclusively for the 38 mm version.