Rapper Not3s spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

UK rapper Not3s was recently photographed sporting the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in stainless steel, reference 26331ST — a watch that occupies a particularly demanding position in the AP catalogue, requiring both technical credibility and iconic design to justify its place alongside the simpler, more celebrated three-hand Royal Oak.

The ref. 26331ST is powered by the calibre 2385, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement developed entirely in-house by Audemars Piguet. Running at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement represents one of the few genuinely integrated chronograph ebauches in watchmaking — meaning the chronograph mechanism shares the same base plate as the timekeeping function, rather than being grafted on as a module. That distinction matters enormously to collectors. The case measures 41mm in stainless steel, paired with a blue or silver tapisserie dial depending on configuration, and the iconic 8-screw bezel that Gérald Genta sketched on a napkin in 1972.

From a collector's standpoint, the Royal Oak Chronograph in steel occupies a curious sweet spot. It lacks the immediate name recognition of the 15202 Jumbo or the hype of limited-edition collaborations, yet it outperforms both on mechanical complexity. The integrated chronograph architecture means this reference commands genuine respect among movement-literate collectors, and stainless steel versions have historically held value with quiet consistency rather than speculative volatility.

Not3s has built a reputation in UK R&B as an artist with sharp aesthetic instincts — his music and visual identity are notably considered rather than reactive. Choosing the Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26331ST rather than a more obvious Rolex Daytona or AP Royal Oak Selfwinding reflects a collector's sensibility: prioritising technical depth over brand-first signalling.

At a UK list price of approximately £20,500, the 26331ST sits at a significant but accessible entry point for an integrated chronograph from a manufacture of this calibre. On the grey market, demand for steel AP Royal Oak Chronographs has moderated from pandemic-era peaks but continues to trade above retail, reflecting the enduring strength of the Royal Oak family and the scarcity of steel AP references at authorised dealers.