Watch Paparazzi

Cricketer Hardik Pandya spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Hardik Pandya, one of Indian cricket's most flamboyant personalities both on and off the field, was photographed relaxing at home wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Summer Edition 2017 in 18kt rose gold — a reference limited to 500 examples globally. The casual setting, puppy in arms, does nothing to diminish the horological statement on his wrist.

The watch in question is Ref. 26408OR.OO.A010CA.01, introduced by Audemars Piguet at SIHH 2017 as part of the brand's annual 'summer' limited-edition series for the Royal Oak Offshore line. The 44mm case is crafted entirely in 18kt pink gold, featuring the signature octagonal bezel with eight white gold hex screws. The dial presents AP's classic Grande Tapisserie pattern in white, with blue-ringed chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, a date window at 3, and a striking red central chronograph seconds hand — a detail that ties the Summer Edition palette together. The watch rides on a white vulcanized rubber strap with a pink gold AP folding clasp. Powering it is Calibre 3126/3840, a self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with 50-hour power reserve, beating at 21,600 vph.

From a collector's standpoint, the Summer Edition series occupies an interesting position in the Royal Oak Offshore universe. The rose gold and white combination is among the cleanest executions AP has produced in the Offshore line — it avoids the busy colour blocking of some editions while still being unambiguously bold. The 500-piece cap ensures genuine scarcity, and rose gold Offshore chronographs consistently hold value well on the secondary market.

Hardik Pandya has built a public persona inseparable from luxury consumption. His watch collection, frequently displayed on social media, spans AP, Richard Mille, and Rolex — placing him squarely among South Asia's most visible watch enthusiasts in sports. His affinity for the Royal Oak Offshore aligns with the model's longstanding association with athletes who favour size and presence over understatement.

At UK list price of approximately £42,100 (roughly $53,000 USD at time of release), the Summer Edition 2017 was never an entry-level proposition. On today's grey market, rose gold Offshore limited editions of this calibre typically trade between $55,000 and $70,000 depending on condition and completeness of set — a solid premium over original retail that reflects sustained demand for scarce AP rose gold references.