Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Franck Ribéry spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

The final whistle at the Vicente Calderón had barely sounded when cameras caught Franck Ribéry, still visibly deflated after Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final exit against Atlético Madrid, wearing one of the most sought-after limited-edition sports chronographs of its era: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 'Michael Schumacher', reference 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01.

Produced in a strict run of 500 numbered pieces, the ref. 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01 is built around a 44mm case in sandblasted grade-5 titanium, topped by a forged carbon octagonal bezel — a material combination that keeps the watch surprisingly light on the wrist despite its assertive dimensions. The dial is finished in smoked grey with red chronograph counters, a deliberate visual homage to Schumacher's dominant Ferrari period. Power comes from the in-house calibre 3126/3840, a self-winding movement with column-wheel chronograph control, a 50-hour power reserve, and a 21,600 vph beat rate. The rubber strap in black with red contrast stitching completes the motorsport aesthetic without tipping into pastiche.

From a collector's standpoint, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Schumacher editions occupy a distinct tier. The earlier ref. 26568OM released during Schumacher's active career commands premium attention, but this generation — issued as a tribute following the tragic skiing accident in December 2013 — carries additional emotional weight for the watchmaking and motorsport communities alike. The 500-piece limitation, combined with the dual-material case construction, makes it considerably harder to source than standard Royal Oak Offshore references.

Ribéry's choice is entirely consistent with the watch culture prevalent among elite European footballers of his generation. A Champions League winner with Bayern in 2013 and UEFA Best Player in Europe that same year, the French winger has long gravitated toward high-complication, statement-dial pieces. Wearing this particular reference after a painful European exit reads, intentionally or not, as a reminder that some things hold their value regardless of the final score.

At UK retail the ref. 26568OM.OO.A004CA.01 was listed at approximately £55,000. On the secondary market, strong demand from both watch collectors and Formula 1 memorabilia enthusiasts has kept grey-market values firm, with clean examples regularly trading above retail — a pattern typical of sub-500-piece AP Offshore limited editions tied to a specific sporting legend.