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Mixed martial artist Roman Reigns spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Roman Reigns, WWE's marquee professional wrestler, attended a UFC event in mid-June 2026 wearing one of haute horlogerie's most technically ambitious sports chronographs: the Audemars Piguet Concept Split Seconds Chronograph GMT Ref. 26650FA. The forged carbon case, paired with an 18K yellow gold bezel and push guards, caught light as the wrestler navigated the arena—a deliberate fusion of cutting-edge materials and precious-metal accents that epitomises Audemars Piguet's approach to contemporary chronograph design.

The Ref. 26650FA houses Audemars Piguet's in-house calibre 2897 movement, a 48-jewel split-seconds chronograph with GMT functionality. The calibre delivers independently triggerable chronograph hands via the patented rattrapante (split-seconds) mechanism, allowing the wearer to precisely measure and compare multiple time intervals simultaneously. The forged carbon case measures 42mm in diameter with a thickness of 14.5mm, presenting a lighter and more durable alternative to titanium or steel while maintaining exceptional rigidity. The dial features applied indices with luminous coating, a central chronograph counter layout, and a secondary time-zone indicator. Water resistance reaches 100 metres, sufficient for recreational diving but engineered primarily for wrist-worn timing rather than aquatic immersion.

Audemars Piguet produced the Ref. 26650FA in strictly limited quantities—100 pieces worldwide—making it a collector's piece upon release. The split-seconds chronograph mechanism represents one of watchmaking's most complex complications, rarely seen outside independent manufactures and Swiss heritage houses. The specific pairing of forged carbon with 18K yellow gold elevates the reference beyond functional sports chronograph territory into contemporary art-watch classification. Early iterations from 2023–2024 now command significant secondary-market premiums due to scarcity and mechanical reputation.

Reigns' sighting reinforces a growing pattern: elite athletes and entertainment figures gravitating toward Audemars Piguet's Concept line rather than sport-branded chronographs. His choice signals neither status flexing nor casual luxury—the Ref. 26650FA demands wrist knowledge to appreciate its split-seconds engineering and material innovation. Among wrestling and combat-sports personalities, the watch functions as a technical statement rather than a logo play.

Retail pricing for the Audemars Piguet Concept Split Seconds Chronograph GMT Ref. 26650FA opened at approximately $270,000 USD. Secondary-market examples currently trade between $280,000–$320,000 depending on service history and box/papers completeness. Waitlists at authorised dealers remain closed; the 100-piece production run sold through direct allocation within 18 months of launch. Pre-owned acquisition now requires specialist grey-market dealers or auction channels.