Wrestler Roman Reigns spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Roman Reigns made a statement at SummerSlam beyond the wrestling ring, capturing his WWE World Heavyweight Championship victory over Seth Rollins while wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton Tourbillon Chronograph Ref. 26343CE. The black ceramic sports chronograph, valued at $350,000, represents one of the most exclusive iterations in the Royal Oak Skeleton family—a watch that demands attention in any high-stakes environment, whether the squared circle or the auction block.

The Ref. 26343CE builds on Audemars Piguet's renowned Royal Oak platform with a case machined from black ceramic, a material that combines extreme hardness with an aesthetic that photographs dramatically under arena lighting. The 44mm octagonal case houses the Caliber 2897, a hand-wound tourbillon chronograph movement visible through the skeletonised dial—a transparent sapphire construction that exposes the escapement, balance wheel, and chronograph mechanism. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, sufficient for daily wear despite the watch's haute horlogerie DNA. The bracelet, integrated into the iconic Royal Oak design, maintains the ceramic aesthetic with matching links.

Limited to exactly 100 pieces globally, the 26343CE occupies a rarefied tier within the Royal Oak Skeleton catalogue. The black ceramic variant, introduced in the early 2010s, remains substantially rarer than stainless steel editions. Production runs for this reference spanned roughly 2010–2015, making modern examples increasingly difficult to locate on the secondary market. The tourbillon complication and chronograph function elevate the Ref. 26343CE beyond dress-watch territory into true manufacture-level complexity.

Reigns' choice reflects the wrestler's established affinity for six-figure timepieces. The pairing of an elite athlete at the apex of his sport with a horologically complex piece creates narrative resonance—both represent mastery of their respective domains. The timing of this appearance, coinciding with a championship victory, reinforces the watch's status as a trophy piece rather than daily instrument.

On the grey market, the Ref. 26343CE trades between $320,000 and $380,000 depending on condition and service history. Original retail stood at approximately £260,000 ($350,000 USD). Waitlists at authorized dealers closed years ago; acquisition now requires specialist dealers or auction houses. Demand from collectors seeking black ceramic Royal Oak Skeletons remains robust, ensuring the 26343CE's position as a sound long-term hold.