Watch Paparazzi

Musician DJ Alesso spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Swedish DJ and record producer Alesso — born Alessandro Lindblad — was recently spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph in 18K rose gold, reference 26320OR, a choice that reflects both serious horological taste and an appreciation for one of watchmaking's most enduring design icons.

The Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26320OR measures 41mm in diameter and is crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, from the case and octagonal bezel to the integrated bracelet — a detail that gives the watch its characteristic monolithic presence. The dial features the legendary Grande Tapisserie pattern in a warm rose gold-toned execution with applied baton indices. Powering the watch is the manufacture caliber 2385, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement with a 40-hour power reserve, beating at 21,600 vph. The movement is rhodium-plated and decorated with Côtes de Genève, visible through the sapphire caseback.

The Royal Oak Chronograph traces its roots to Gerald Genta's original 1972 Royal Oak concept, and the chronograph complication was integrated into the family in the 1990s. What makes the 2385 movement particularly significant is its integration — the chronograph mechanism is built directly into the base movement architecture rather than added on top, a far more complex and expensive engineering approach. This caliber has long been respected by movement enthusiasts as a genuine in-house achievement rather than an ebauche-based solution.

Among collectors, the 26320OR occupies a distinct position. Rose gold Royal Oaks carry a premium feel compared to steel references, yet they avoid the cooler, more industrial character of white gold or platinum variants. The combination of the warm case metal with the AP's architectural dial creates a piece that reads as luxurious without being overtly flashy — a balance that appeals to discerning buyers and high-profile entertainers alike. Alesso, who performs regularly at events such as Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland, gravitates toward clean, high-quality aesthetics both musically and sartorially, making the 26320OR a coherent fit.

On the secondary market, rose gold Royal Oak Chronographs have held their value firmly, with grey-market pricing typically exceeding retail due to sustained demand and limited boutique availability. The UK list price of approximately £47,800 translates to a comparable USD retail figure, with grey market premiums pushing real-world transaction prices meaningfully higher for buyers unwilling to wait.