Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Antonio Valencia spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Following Manchester United's hard-fought 1-0 victory over city rivals Manchester City, winger Antonio Valencia was photographed wearing a timepiece entirely in keeping with the occasion's significance — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18k rose gold, reference 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01.

The ref. 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 represents one of the purest expressions of the Royal Oak Chronograph lineage. Measuring 41mm in diameter and crafted entirely in 18k rose gold — case, bezel, and integrated bracelet — the watch presents Gérald Genta's legendary 1972 octagonal design in its most luxurious material register. The signature "Grande Tapisserie" dial, here rendered in a rich salmon-tinged rose gold tone, is flanked by applied hour markers and the model's distinctive integrated pushers, which sit flush within the case flanks.

At its heart beats the Calibre 2385, Audemars Piguet's integrated column-wheel chronograph movement. Beating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, the 2385 was considered a landmark movement at its introduction — integrating the chronograph mechanism directly into the base movement architecture rather than building atop a lever-and-cam system. It powers a flyback-capable chronograph with elapsed seconds, minutes, and hours displayed via three subsidiary dials on the characteristic blue-tinted Royal Oak dial layout.

Among collectors, the all-rose-gold Royal Oak Chronograph occupies a specific tier. It avoids the visibility of the stainless steel references — which carry their own fierce demand — and instead appeals to buyers who want the full precious-metal commitment without the conventional choices of yellow gold. The 26320OR has maintained strong secondary market interest, particularly as integrated-chronograph Royals Oaks across all references have appreciated considerably over the past decade.

Valencia, who built his reputation as one of the Premier League's most explosive wide players during his time at Old Trafford, has long demonstrated a preference for serious horology. The choice of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 — a watch that rewards technical knowledge as much as aesthetic appreciation — reflects a collector sensibility that goes beyond badge value. At a UK retail of £36,800, this is not entry-level Royal Oak territory.