Mention Audemars Piguet today and the Royal Oak inevitably comes to mind. Yet the Jules Audemars collection, named after co-founder Jules Louis Audemars, represented a very different side of the manufacture—one rooted in classical watchmaking and traditional round cases. The Jules Audemars “Gstaad Classic” Chronograph Ref. 26558TI.OO.D080VE.01, introduced in 2011, is one of the collection’s more unusual creations.

Produced in a limited edition of just 250 pieces, the watch commemorated Audemars Piguet’s association with the Gstaad Classic, a historic automobile rally through the Swiss Alps. Rather than adopting the aggressive styling of a contemporary racing chronograph, its design recalls mid-century dashboard instruments and mechanical stopwatches.

The 41mm case is crafted from lightweight titanium, framing a charcoal-grey dial surrounded by a silver tachymeter scale. Contrasting silver registers at three and nine o’clock are complemented by warm rose-gold Arabic numerals and distinctive leaf-shaped hands. One particularly charming detail is the rose-gold chronograph pusher at two o’clock, providing an unexpected contrast against the cool titanium case.

Visible through the sapphire caseback is the automatic Calibre 3124/3841, offering approximately 60 hours of power reserve. “GSTAAD CLASSIC” is prominently printed across the sapphire crystal, immediately identifying the watch’s special-edition origins.

What makes the Ref. 26558TI compelling today is precisely how far removed it feels from the familiar language of modern Audemars Piguet. Titanium, rose-gold accents, vintage motorsport cues and a traditional round case come together in a watch that represents a lesser-known chapter of AP—a reminder that there is considerably more to Le Brassus than the Royal Oak.