Footballer Virgil van Dijk spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

During recent international appearances in the Netherlands, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was spotted wearing a platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Jumbo, reference 16202PT—a watch that ranks among the most exclusive sports timepieces in modern horology. The sighting marks a notable choice for the professional athlete, who has increasingly favored haute horlogerie pieces alongside his on-pitch presence.

The Ref. 16202PT represents Audemars Piguet's celebration of the Royal Oak's five-decade legacy, released to commemorate the model's 50th anniversary. This particular reference houses the hand-wound calibre 2121 movement, a self-winding mechanism with a 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The 39.8 mm platinum case displays the signature octagonal bezel with integrated bracelet that defined Gerald Genta's 1972 original design. The smoked green dial—a departure from traditional blue or black finishes—contributes to the watch's contemporary appeal while honoring the Royal Oak lineage. Water resistance reaches 20 metres, suitable for display rather than diving. The calibre 2121 emerged from Audemars Piguet's technical refinement, favored among collectors for its reliability and the transparency it provides into the watchmaking craft.

Limited to exactly 500 pieces in platinum, the 50th Anniversary Jumbo commands exceptional collector demand. The smoked green dial variant proves particularly scarce, with availability fluctuating across boutiques and grey-market dealers. Platinum's weight and thermal properties make these watches notably heavier than their steel equivalents, a tactile distinction appreciated by connoisseurs. The reference maintains historical significance as a bridge between vintage Royal Oak Jumbo aesthetics and contemporary finishing standards.

Van Dijk's choice aligns with a broader trend among elite athletes investing in independent manufacture watches. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Jumbo signals both technical understanding and access to restricted inventory—pieces typically obtained through established relationships with official retailers or secondary market specialists.

Retail pricing for the Ref. 16202PT was set at approximately $200,000 USD at launch. Current grey-market valuations hover between $220,000 and $260,000, reflecting sustained collector appetite and limited supply. Waitlists at official Audemars Piguet boutiques extend beyond two years for platinum sports models, positioning pre-owned examples as the primary acquisition route for most buyers.