Summary of Key Points about the Modified Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph (Model 26331BA – Full Gold, Green Dial)
Based on the latest video transcript (focusing on the AP 26331BA Royal Oak Chronograph), here are the essential features of this top‑tier modified watch.
1. Model & Material
- Model: Audemars Piguet 26331BA Royal Oak Chronograph – full gold (18K yellow gold), green dial
- Case and strap made of real precious metal – 18K gold (not steel electroplated)
- Weight is a critical standard for a gold watch
2. Weight
- Total weight: 256.4 grams – exactly matches the genuine
- Steel electroplated cases are lighter and will fade over time – embarrassing to wear
3. Caseback Advantage – Solid Caseback
- The 26331BA is one of the few Royal Oak models with a solid caseback – movement not visible
- Therefore, there are fewer identifying features – highly recommended to play with this model
4. Movement – Original Genuine 1185 (Cartier base)
- The original 26331BA movement is the 2385, which is based on the Cartier Caliber 1185 (AP sourced it from Cartier)
- Modification uses an original genuine 1185 movement for assembly, achieving correct thickness (unlike market products using the much thicker 7750 movement)
- Chronograph functions:
- 6 o’clock – running seconds hand
- 9 o’clock – minute counter
- 3 o’clock – hour counter
- Large central hand – chronograph seconds
- Operation: wind until seconds hand moves → top pusher starts timing → top again pauses → bottom resets. Minute/hour counters jump correctly.
5. Dial – Green (Dark Green)
- Original dial color is dark green
- Under light, the three‑eye chronograph sub‑dials reflect a very full, beautiful pattern
- Ordinary aftermarket dials cannot achieve this effect – careful distinction needed
6. Gold Case Craftsmanship
- Case developed using original data
- Brushing, polished surfaces, chamfering – all very carefully handled
- Strap: Gradual thinning – thicker at the top (lugs), narrower at the bottom (clasp) – correct standard
- Caseback engravings: Three‑dimensional Royal Oak relief, dog head, scale, serial code, AU750, AP logo – all very fine
7. Value Proposition
- Modified watches are not cheap, but compared to the genuine price, they help you save money
- Buyers must carefully distinguish quality to avoid being deceived
8. Key Quality Checklist for AP 26331BA
| Component | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Case/strap material | Real 18K gold (not steel electroplated) |
| Weight | ~256.4g |
| Caseback | Solid (movement not visible) – advantage |
| Movement | Original genuine 1185 (Cartier base) – correct thickness |
| Chronograph | 6/9/3 sub‑dials, start/stop/reset working |
| Dial | Dark green, strong sub‑dial pattern |
| Case finishing | Delicate brushing, polishing, chamfering |
| Strap taper | Thicker at top, narrower at bottom |
| Engravings | Royal Oak relief, dog head, scale, AU750, AP – very fine |
Concluding Comment
This video focuses on the Audemars Piguet 26331BA full gold green dial Royal Oak Chronograph – a large gold watch. The modified version uses real 18K gold for the case and strap, achieving the correct weight of 256.4 grams (critical for a gold watch). Because this model has a solid caseback, the movement is not visible, which significantly reduces potential tells. The movement used is an original genuine Cartier 1185 caliber (the base for AP’s 2385), ensuring correct thickness – unlike cheaper replica 7750 movements that are much thicker and immediately noticeable. The chronograph functions (6/9/3 sub‑dials, start/stop/reset) work correctly. The dial is a dark green with strong sub‑dial pattern – ordinary aftermarket dials cannot match this. The gold case finishing (brushing, polishing, chamfering), the gradually thinning strap, and the fine engravings (Royal Oak relief, dog head, scale, AU750, AP) are all executed to a high standard.
Strengths:
- Real 18K gold – correct weight (256.4g) and no fading.
- Solid caseback advantage – movement hidden, fewer tells.
- Original genuine 1185 movement – correct thickness, reliable chronograph.
- Dark green dial – correct color and sub‑dial pattern.
- High‑quality case finishing – delicate brushing, proper taper, fine engravings.
- Value proposition – saves significant amount compared to genuine.
Final verdict: The modified AP 26331BA is an excellent choice for collectors who want a large, full gold Royal Oak Chronograph with a solid caseback (hiding the movement) and the correct thickness. The use of a genuine 1185 movement ensures reliable chronograph function and proper dimensions. The dark green dial and meticulous gold case finishing (tapered strap, deep engravings) make it very convincing. For those with the budget, this watch delivers a “spend less, enjoy a genuine‑weight AP gold chronograph” experience. As always, independent verification of gold purity (XRF) and movement authenticity is recommended. Bozwatch’s emphasis on weight, solid caseback, correct movement thickness, and dial color provides a solid checklist. This is a top‑tier AP modification.
Hello everyone, this is Bozwatch Reviews.
Every watch is a work of art, a testament to time. I am a fanatic who is obsessed with them, and I hope you can avoid pitfalls on your watch journey and find your own “Bole” (discerning patron).
Today, I will share with you a large gold watch from Audemars Piguet. Its model is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26331BA. This watch is requested by fans to explain. Let me share with you how to approach AP’s big gold watch. When we play with it, we must pay attention to the details of craftsmanship.
Before we play with this product, we need to pay attention to several aspects:
- The material of the case
- The weight of the watch
- The color of the surface accessories
- Its thickness and the movement’s functions
After we have a clear understanding, you can play with this product without being deceived.
For this watch, we must know that the original is a gold watch. For any gold watch, its weight is a very important standard. We must solve the weight problem before you can enjoy this big gold watch.
If you play with a regular watch on the market, most are steel cases with electroplating. First, their weight is incorrect. Second, steel‑case electroplated products will fade over time. Wearing such a product would be very embarrassing.
For a custom product like this, if you want to choose one, you must ensure it is made of real precious metal to guarantee consistent weight and color, and that it won’t fade during use.
As usual, let’s weigh it together. You can see that the entire watch weighs 256.4 grams – exactly the same as the original. When choosing this product, you must use this weight as the standard. That covers material and weight.
Second, the 26331BA is one of the few Royal Oak models with a solid caseback – you can’t see the movement from behind. So I recommend you play with this watch, because when you can’t see the movement, the identifying features are fewer.
The original movement of this watch is called the 2385. When learning about AP, you can check online – this movement was not made by AP itself; they sourced it from Cartier’s movement factory. The base movement from Cartier is the Caliber 1185. So we can find an original 1185 movement for modification, customization, and assembly to achieve the correct thickness. This watch is actually relatively thin.
Most market products are equipped with the 7750 movement, which is much thicker. A knowledgeable owner might spot an issue just by looking at the side thickness. But with the 1185 movement, we achieve all the original functions:
- 6 o’clock – running seconds hand
- 9 o’clock – chronograph minute counter
- 3 o’clock – chronograph hour counter
- The large central hand is the chronograph seconds hand
To start the seconds hand, wind the watch until the 6 o’clock seconds hand moves. Then press the upper right chronograph button – timing starts. When the seconds hand completes one rotation, the minute counter jumps one. When the minute counter completes one rotation, the hour counter jumps one. Press the top pusher again to pause, and the bottom pusher to reset. That’s all the chronograph functions, identical to the 2385 movement.
Now, this watch has a green dial. The original dial color is a dark green. Under light, the three‑eye chronograph sub‑dials reflect a very full, beautiful pattern. Ordinary aftermarket dials cannot achieve this effect – everyone must carefully distinguish.
For AP gold watches – good gold case products – the cases are developed using original data. Whether it’s the brushing, the polished surfaces, or the chamfering and polishing – everything is handled very carefully. The AP strap tapers from top to bottom – thicker at the top and narrower at the bottom. That’s the standard for gold case craftsmanship.
Look at the engravings on the caseback – the three‑dimensional Royal Oak relief, the dog head, the scale, the serial code, and the AU750 and AP engravings. On a good gold product, these engravings will be very, very fine. That’s an important basis for judging quality.
For watches like this, after modification and customization, if you want to play with them, you must carefully distinguish. The prices of these products are not cheap, but compared to the original watch’s price, they already help you save money.
This is a simple sharing of the 26331BA – a post‑modified and customized product, upgraded with 18K solid gold and assembled with an original 1185 movement. Customers must carefully distinguish to avoid being deceived.
Today’s Bozwatch watch sharing ends here. If you like Bozwatch’s videos, please double‑tap to like and follow. See you next time.
