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Footballer Kevin Trapp spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Kevin Trapp, the German international goalkeeper who made his name between the posts at Paris Saint-Germain before becoming a cornerstone at Eintracht Frankfurt, was recently spotted wearing one of watchmaking's most recognised references — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic 41mm in stainless steel, reference 15400ST.

The 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01 was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2012 as the direct successor to the 15300ST, enlarging the case from 39mm to 41mm to meet contemporary tastes without abandoning the DNA Gerald Genta conceived in 1972. The 41mm stainless steel case retains the signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, the petite tapisserie dial, and the fully integrated bracelet — all hallmarks that made the Royal Oak the template for the luxury sports watch genre. Depth resistance stands at 50 metres, and the sapphire caseback reveals the calibre 3120 movement, an in-house 21-jewel automatic with a 60-hour power reserve — a meaningful improvement over earlier Royal Oak movements.

The calibre 3120 itself deserves attention. Beating at 21,600 vph, it features a peripheral rotor architecture and côtes de Genève finishing throughout, delivering a level of movement finishing seldom seen in a watch that was originally positioned as an everyday sports piece. This is the movement that bridged the gap between the Royal Oak's tool-watch origins and its current status as a serious collector's object.

For collectors, the 15400ST occupies an interesting position. It was discontinued in 2020 and replaced by the 16202ST — the 50th anniversary model with the new calibre 7121 — which instantly elevated the 15400ST from current production to sought-after predecessor. Its discontinuation has tightened grey-market supply considerably.

Trapp's choice reflects a pattern familiar among elite European footballers: the Royal Oak in steel, unpretentious in its colourway yet unmistakable in its architecture, works as effortlessly off the pitch as it does under stadium lights. At a UK RRP of approximately £13,000, it sits at the entry point of the Royal Oak family, though secondary market premiums have pushed transaction prices well above list.