Television presenter Kapil Sharma spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Kapil Sharma, host of the record-breaking 'The Kapil Sharma Show', was recently spotted on the wrist with one of Audemars Piguet's most recognizable sport-chronograph references — the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 26400SO, an 44mm steel and ceramic piece that retails at approximately $33,400.

The Ref. 26400SO belongs to the generation of Royal Oak Offshore models introduced after the line's comprehensive redesign in the early 2010s. Its 44mm case is crafted in brushed stainless steel, while the octagonal bezel — a direct nod to Gerald Genta's original 1993 Offshore design — is executed in black ceramic, offering superior scratch resistance and a matte visual contrast against the polished case flanks. The black mega tapisserie dial carries three subdials in a traditional chronograph layout, with luminous applied hour markers maintaining legibility. Strapped on a black rubber bracelet with AP's integrated folding clasp, the watch reads unmistakably sporty.

Under the exhibition caseback sits the Calibre 3126/3840, an integrated automatic movement co-developed with Renaud & Papi. The movement runs at 21,600 vph, delivers a 40-hour power reserve, and features a column-wheel chronograph mechanism — a detail that speaks to the engineering credibility behind what many still dismiss as a style piece. The Offshore deserves more technical credit than it typically receives in collector circles.

The Royal Oak Offshore has had a polarizing collector history. Dismissed in some quarters as oversized and brand-diluting when it first appeared, it has since accumulated a serious following, particularly among younger collectors and those drawn to 1990s and early-2000s AP references. The 26400SO, with its ceramic bezel, sits in a sweet spot — it's not the entry-level Offshore, but it avoids the premium commanded by fully ceramic or precious-metal variants.

Kapil Sharma's affinity for high-profile Swiss watchmaking is well-documented among Indian watch enthusiasts. Choosing the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Ref. 26400SO reflects a considered pick — bold enough for television culture, technically credible enough for serious collectors. On the grey market, examples of the 26400SO have traded consistently above retail, underscoring sustained demand for this reference.