Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish football legend, was recently photographed wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph Ref. 26545XT during a public appearance. The titanium sports watch, paired with his cream suit and navy tie, exemplifies the crossover between haute horlogerie and contemporary menswear that defines luxury watch collecting at the highest levels.

The Ref. 26545XT represents one of Audemars Piguet's most technically ambitious Royal Oak variants. The 41 mm titanium case houses the Calibre 2953, a selfwinding movement featuring an integrated flying tourbillon and chronograph complications. The sunburst blue dial features two registers for chronograph operation, while applied hour markers and a date window at 3 o'clock maintain the classic Royal Oak proportions. Water resistance reaches 100 meters, adequate for daily wear despite the watch's complications. The titanium integrated bracelet with alternating polished and brushed links completes the sports-luxury profile.

Production of the Ref. 26545XT began in the early 2020s as part of Audemars Piguet's expanded Royal Oak Extra Thin lineup. The combination of flying tourbillon and chronograph on a selfwinding movement—without a manual wind option—distinguishes this reference from earlier Extra Thin variants. Titanium construction reduces weight while maintaining the case's structural integrity under chronograph operation, a technical consideration often overlooked by casual observers. The reference commands serious collector attention due to limited annual production and the technical density packed into its 8.1 mm case thickness.

Ibrahimović's choice aligns with his established luxury watch sensibility and the footballer's documented appreciation for haute horlogerie. The pairing of a £600,000 timepiece with formal menswear signals deliberate curation rather than casual selection. Among athletes, particularly footballers, such high-complication watches remain relatively uncommon, making this sighting notable within celebrity watch culture.

Grey-market pricing for the Ref. 26545XT hovers around $800,000 USD, reflecting consistent demand and limited supply. The titanium case, while lighter than white gold variants, commands premium pricing due to Audemars Piguet's selective titanium sourcing and the movement's integrated complications. Waitlists at authorized dealers typically extend two to three years, rendering grey-market acquisition the practical path for most collectors seeking immediate ownership.