Although Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, a chronograph version was added to the classic Royal Oak line only in 1998. The first Royal Oak chronograph was powered by Cal. 2385, a slim self-winding column wheel chronograph movement based on the Frédéric Piguet 1185. This model was produced for 14 years right up until 2011.

Although it was thicker than the Jumbo Royal Oak, the case width was similar and the watch is often compared to the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116520, which was launched in 2000. The reference number 26022 is used for precious metal versions of the Ref. 26300, which was the first refresh of the Royal Oak design in 2008.