Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Dave spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

UK rapper Dave — real name David Orobosa Olomu — was recently photographed wearing one of Audemars Piguet's most technically distinguished Royal Oak variants, the 15407OR, an 18K yellow gold openworked model that sits firmly at the pinnacle of the Royal Oak family. The sighting places Dave firmly among a growing cohort of British artists who are gravitating toward high-complication fine watchmaking rather than purely decorative jewellery pieces.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked reference 15407OR is powered by the in-house Calibre 3132, a self-winding movement built on the architecture of the venerable Calibre 3120 but significantly enhanced with AP's patented double balance wheel system. Two balance wheels connected by a differential gear work in concert to average out positional errors, delivering measurably superior rate consistency without resorting to a tourbillon. The movement operates at 21,600 vph and offers approximately 60 hours of power reserve — respectable figures for a skeletonised construction where every component is bevelled, anglaged and finished to exhibition standard.

The 41mm yellow gold case follows Gerald Genta's iconic 1972 octagonal bezel design with eight hexagonal screws, here rendered in warm 18K gold rather than the more utilitarian stainless steel of the original. The openworked dial transforms the watch into a wearable movement display, with the double balance wheel assembly serving as the centrepiece — a genuine horological spectacle rather than simple decoration for decoration's sake.

From a collector standpoint, the 15407OR occupies a compelling niche. It delivers a genuine movement innovation in the double balance wheel, housed in one of watchmaking's most enduring and collectible case designs, in a precious metal execution that ensures long-term desirability. Audemars Piguet introduced the openworked Double Balance Wheel Royal Oak as part of a broader strategy to elevate the line beyond sport-watch associations into high-complication territory, and the market has responded accordingly.

Dave's choice of the 15407OR signals a sophisticated collector sensibility — this is not a watch selected purely for visibility. At a UK list price of £74,800, it represents a serious commitment to mechanical watchmaking, consistent with the level of artistry Dave brings to his own music.