One certain Royal Oak model has been making all sorts of rounds in the watch community and worldwide, for good reason! But what about all the other drops that Audemars Piguet made?

If you’re a massive fan of AP, then we have news for you: The Le Brassus brand has just rung in ‘Watch Season’ with a ton of new drops for 2024! As it turns out, there are so many that we couldn’t even cover them in a single article!

In case you missed it, Matt just did a great job talking about the seven new Code 11.59 models, which you can find here. And while the Code 11.59 collection “stand on their own merits,” as Matt says, it’s hard to beat the classics. Here are the eight new Royal Oak models that you may have missed while fawning over the John Mayer. Don’t feel embarrassed – we’re doing it too!

If you don’t have a lot of time, here’s a summary of what’s new:

Golden Touch: 37mm Frosted Yellow Gold & A 41mm Yellow Gold Chrono
Tourbillons Galore! Two Classic Variants & The Gemset RD#3
Two New Gemset 37mm Models
Two New Ladies Models in 34mm
New 39mm “Jumbo” with Open-Worked Dial
New 43mm Offshore with a Rubber Bezel

Still hungry for more info? Yes? I was hoping you would say that! Let’s jump in.

37mm Frosted Yellow Gold (15550BA) & 41mm Yellow Gold Chronograph (26240BA)

As the Olympic Games get closer and closer, what better way to kick off the article than with the two new yellow-gold Royal Oaks?

Personally, the 37mm model is the standout between the two, featuring a smoky yellow dial as well as a frosted gold texture on the case and bracelet – a feature reserved only for the finest Royal Oak references.

The 41mm, on the other hand, takes a slightly more reserved approach, featuring the iconic Tapisserie hobnail pattern on the same smoky yellow dial as well as all the signature elements available on all Royal Oak chronograph references.

As stated before, I gravitate more towards the 37mm rendition, but I would have to see it in person to see if it can beat my current love – the Ref. 15550BA Turquoise that released last year. Not like I’m in the market for one anyway, but hey, a guy can dream, right?

**41mm Yellow Gold Chronograph (26240BA)**

Specification for the 37mm Frosted Yellow Gold (15550BA)

Case: 37mm Diameter, 9.1mm Thickness
Case Material: Frosted 18k Yellow Gold
Dial: Smoky Sunburst Yellow Dial
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 5900
Power reserve: 60 hours
Bracelet: Frosted 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp

Specification for the 41mm Yellow Gold Chronograph (26240BA)

Case: 41mm Diameter, 12.4mm Thickness
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dial: Smoky Sunburst Yellow Tapisserie Dial
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 4401
Power reserve: 70 hours
Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp

41mm Tourbillon Variants (26730ST & 26730OR) & 37mm Ultrathin RD#3 (26660BC)

AP’s grand update to the Royal Oak collection continues with two fresh debutantes of their Flying Tourbillon references, this time including a stylish twist in the dial.

My favourite of the two, Ref. 26730ST is cased up in stainless steel and adorned with a gorgeous smoky burgundy dial. That doesn’t make its debuting partner, Ref. 26730OR, any lesser, though. This rendition is crafted in pink gold and sports an interesting two-tone dial of grey and ivory with rose gold accents – the dressier of the two, for certain.

Yet neither model caught as much attention from me as the 37mm Extra-Thin RD#3 in white gold. While it is also a flying tourbillon, this model not only draws inspiration from the 2022 steel renditions of the RD#3 but also comes equipped with the classic Tapisserie dial, this time in a smoky blue accompanied by diamond hour markers. Being AP, though, the extravagance of the RD line can’t just stop there, as the bezel has also been adorned with dazzling baguette-cut diamonds.

Of course, the engineering behind the RD line has to be nothing short of perfection, and this 2024 rendition is no exception. The RD#3 sits at just a scant 8.9mm thin, which is remarkable given that Cal. 2698 movement can still pull off 50 hours of power reserve.

Specification for the 41mm Tourbillon Variants (26730ST & 26730OR)

Case: 41mm Diameter, 10.6mm Thickness
Case Material: Stainless Steel (26730ST) and 18k Pink Gold (26730OR)
Dial: Smoky Sunburst Burgundy Red Dial (26730ST) and Two-Tone Gray-Ivory Dial with Pink Gold Accents (26730OR)
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 2950
Power reserve: 65 hours
Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp (26730ST) and 18k Pink Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp (26730OR)

Specification for the 37mm Ultrathin RD#3 (26660BC)

Case: 37mm Diameter, 8.1mm Thickness
Case Material: 18k White Gold
Dial: Smoky Sunburst Blue Tapisserie Dial
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 2968
Power reserve: 50 hours
Bracelet: 18k White Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp

37mm Gemset Models (15551OR & 15551BC)

Speaking of diamonds, though, AP has another duo of 37mm Royal Oaks built for those who have a thing for bling. While both have full brilliant-cut diamonds set into their cases, bracelet studs, and clasps, I find that the Ref. 15551BC is particularly enthralling. Assembled in white gold, the green-grey present on the dial and strap is a subtle yet fascinating tone and helps to restrain the otherwise flashy exterior. Alligator straps on an AP just aren’t for me, but it’s still a nice addition nonetheless.

By contrast, the Ref, 15551OR decides to go all-out, swapping out the white gold for pink, the diamond bezel for blue sapphires, and the green-gray tones with a more extravagant light blue. We’re no strangers to light blue here at WatchAdvice (we were drooling over the Light Blue Hublot Orlinski Tourbillon released earlier this year) so we’re glad to see the colour make an appearance in AP’s lineup – in an equally extravagant fashion.

Specification for the 37mm Gemset Variants (15551OR & 15551BC)

Case: 37mm Diameter, 9mm Thickness
Case Material: 18k Rose Gold with Diamond-Set Case and Sapphire-Set Bezel (15551OR) and 18k White Gold with Diamond-Set Case and Bezel (15551BC)
Dial: Light Blue Tapisserie Dial (15551OR) and Green-Gray Tapisserie Dial (15551BC)
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 5900
Power reserve: 60 hours
Bracelet: Dial-Matching Alligator Strap with Diamond-Set AP Folding Clasp (15551OR) and Dial-Matching Alligator Strap with Diamond-Set AP Folding Clasp (15551BC)

34mm Ladies’ Variants (77450OR PINK & 77450SR GREY)

For the smaller-wristed ladies out there, however, fear not! AP has delightedly updated its 34mm women’s roster. These have been crafted in both pink gold as well as two-tone pink gold and stainless steel. The pink gold variation (Ref. 77450OR) doubles down by also sporting a glamourous pink dial, whilst the other (77450SR) is equipped with a two-tone case of pink gold and stainless steel and a grey dial to match. It’s hard for me to choose a horse in this race – I am a man, after all – but If you’re getting a Royal Oak, you may as well get the Royal Oak, so go crazy with the pink-on-pink!

As diminutive as both pieces may seem, though, AP has ensured you’re still getting a capable and sophisticated timepiece. The Cal. 5800 is purpose-built for providing the Manufacture’s capabilities to smaller wrists and is packed with a 50-hour power reserve to boot.

Specification for the 34mm Ladies’ Variants (77450OR PINK & 77450SR GREY)

Case: 34mm Diameter, 8.8mm Thickness
Case Material: 18k Pink Gold (77450OR) and Two-Tone Stainless Steel and 18k Pink Gold (77450SR)
Dial: Sunburst Pink Tapisserie Dial (77450OR) and Sunburst Gray Tapisserie Dial (77450SR)
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 5800
Power reserve: 50 hours
Bracelet: 18k Pink Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp (77450OR) and Two-Tone Stainless Steel and 18k Pink Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp (77450SR)

The 39mm “Jumbo” Open-Worked (16204BC)

Where I won’t have trouble choosing which timepiece I prefer is with the new Openworked “Jumbo” Extra-Thin in white gold – mainly because there’s only one of them, but also because it’s an outstanding watch!

The Ref. 16204BC follows in the footsteps of its pink gold, yellow gold, and stainless steel siblings, expanding this 39mm line with a new sleek white gold offering. This new piece is also powered by the 2.7mm thin Cal. 7124 movement, which may just be 57 hours of power reserve, but all 57 hours are visible from the open-worked movement on display for everyone to see. While we have to wait a little longer for this one to be released in April, I can’t wait to see how this one will look, both on-camera and in the metal.

Specification for the The 39mm “Jumbo” Open-Worked (16204BC)

Case: 39mm Diameter, 8.1mm Thickness
Case Material: 18k White Gold
Dial: Anthracite Openworked dial
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Cal. 7124
Power reserve: 50 hours
Bracelet: 18k White Gold Bracelet with AP Folding Clasp

43mm Offshore (15605SK)

The most interesting of the new Royal Oak releases, in my opinion, has to be this new rubber bezel Offshore. The rubber bezel, while controversial, isn’t all too uncommon, having graced the Offshore collection previously. Cased in stainless steel, the 43mm figure of Ref. 15605SK is supported by the matching blue rubber bracelet as well as a smoky blue Tapisserie dial to match.

While I enjoy the sporty aesthetic of this new reference, it does leave me scratching my head a bit. What is its purpose? It’s not a diver nor a chrono like the many Offshore timepieces that came before – it’s just a classic three-hander. I suppose the interpretation is meant to be left up to the wearer, as its contemporary design, 100m water resistance, and reliable Cal. 4302 movement with a 70-hour power reserve will get you through almost every situation, all while making a bold and sophisticated statement.

Specification for the 43mm Offshore (15605SK)

Case: 43mm Diameter, 14.4mm Thickness
Case Material: Stainless steel case
Dial: Smoked blue dial with new generation Méga Tapisserie pattern
Crystal: Sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective coating inside
Water resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Cal. 4302
Power reserve: 70 hours
Bracelet: Interchangeable blue rubber strap and stainless steel AP pin buckle. Additional interchangeable black rubber strap