Watch Paparazzi

Boxer Canelo Álvarez spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Canelo Álvarez walked away from his bout against Amir Khan with a decisive sixth-round knockout — and, as spotted ringside in the aftermath, a piece of horology equally difficult to dispute on his wrist. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in full rose gold, reference 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01, is not a watch that whispers. It is the kind of statement that only makes sense when you have earned the right to make it.

The ref. 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 houses the calibre 2385, a self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with integrated construction — meaning the chronograph mechanism is built into the base movement rather than bolted on as a module. That distinction matters enormously to collectors. Beating at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve, the movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, revealing the intricate tapisserie finishing that mirrors the dial. The case measures 41mm and is crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, including the iconic integrated bracelet — a construction choice that adds both aesthetic warmth and considerable heft to the wrist.

The Royal Oak Chronograph carries a lineage that stretches back to the 1990s, when Audemars Piguet first introduced chronograph complications into Genta's 1972 sport-luxury design. The rose gold iteration has long occupied the upper tier of the Royal Oak family, appealing to collectors who want the full luxury statement without venturing into the more stratospheric tourbillon references. The tapisserie dial in this reference uses a warm, Grande Tapisserie pattern that coordinates precisely with the gold case — a detail that rewards close inspection.

Canelo Álvarez is no stranger to serious watchmaking. The Mexican boxing champion has been spotted across a range of high-end references over the years, and his taste runs toward bold, precious-metal pieces that reflect his standing as one of the sport's highest earners. Choosing the Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR.OO.1220OR.01 for a post-fight appearance is consistent with that profile — functional complication, iconic design, uncompromising material.

On the market, this reference commands significant premiums in the grey market, where Audemars Piguet Royal Oak pieces in precious metals consistently outperform retail. With a UK RRP in the region of £36,800, the rose gold chronograph sits well above the steel Royal Oak entry points and attracts buyers who prioritize both wearability and intrinsic metal value.