First off, let’s be real, these ain’t cheap. We’re talking serious money, like “sell-your-kidney-and-maybe-a-small-island” kinda money. You gotta consider the size – a 39mm or 41mm case. Apparently, the smaller ones are “suited for somewhat smaller wrists.” Which, duh, makes sense. But does that affect the price? Prob’ly. Everything affects the price! I swear, these watch companies just pull numbers outta thin air sometimes.
Then there’s the ref number. I saw something about a “ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04” on Chrono24. Now, I ain’t a watch expert, but I’m guessing that specific model will have a specific (and probably astronomical) price. Chrono24 is a good place to *start* looking, but don’t expect to find any bargains there. It’s like the eBay of ridiculously expensive watches.
Oh, and don’t even get me STARTED on the Royal Oak *Offshore* Chronograph. That’s a whole different ballgame. I saw one mentioned, a 42mm reference 26238CE.OO.13000CE.02, going for a cool $86,900 USD. EIGHTY-SIX THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED DOLLARS! For a watch! I mean, it’s probably a *nice* watch, but…come on! I could buy a car…or, like, a down payment on a house. Or a lifetime supply of ramen noodles. Choices, choices.
And what’s up with this “Price on request” business? Like, they don’t even wanna tell you the price upfront because they know you’ll faint? It’s a bit cheeky, init?
The material matters too, of course. Pink gold? Expect to pay more. Stainless steel? Still gonna be expensive, but maybe *slightly* less so. Plus, they keep “evolving” the design, which, I guess, means they can charge you more just ’cause it’s “new.” Clever marketing ploy, I gotta admit.
Honestly, trying to pin down the *exact* price of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph is like trying to catch smoke with a net. It’s gonna vary wildly based on the model, the year it was made, the condition it’s in, and how much the seller thinks they can get away with charging.
